Public comment on the veterinary services in Longyearbyen

In Resolution LS 90/23, the Local Council resolved that the Longyearbyen Local Council shall contribute to
the veterinary services in Longyearbyen.

“Contribute” means that the Longyearbyen local government
may consider measures that support a responsible and stable veterinary service, not that the local government is to take over, operate, or develop the veterinary service.

Veterinary services are important for animal welfare, disease control, emergency preparedness, and animal husbandry in commercial operations, research, and private households.

The administration’s preliminary assessment is that these services may be vulnerable, in part due to a limited professional community and client base, recruitment challenges, the housing situation for employees, and access to suitable facilities.

The purpose of the public hearing is to gather information, assessments, and suggestions from affected stakeholders, users, and other interested parties before the administration submits the matter for political consideration.

The consultation aims to shed light on needs, consequences, and possible measures that can help ensure a reliable and stable veterinary service in Longyearbyen within the scope and framework of the Longyearbyen Local Council’s role.

The Longyearbyen Local Council is particularly seeking input on:
• challenges affecting veterinary services in Longyearbyen,
• consequences for users, the business community, research, emergency preparedness, and the local community,
• measures that can help ensure future veterinary services in Longyearbyen.

Consultation responses should be submitted to the Longyearbyen Local Council by October 30, 2026.

Comments should be sent to post@lokalstyre.no and marked: “Consultation Comments – Veterinary Services in Longyearbyen – Case 2026/560.”

After the consultation deadline has passed, the administration will review the comments and evaluate them as part of the ongoing case review.