It is declared that the practice of veterinary medicine involves the public health, safety, and welfare. To protect the public from being misled by incompetent, unscrupulous, unqualified, and unauthorized practitioners, and from unprofessional or illegal practices by persons licensed to practice veterinary medicine, and to insure that every person engaged in the practice of veterinary medicine meet minimum requirements, the practice of veterinary medicine should be regulated in the interest of the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of South Carolina.

The General Assembly declares its intent that individuals who are not normally competent to practice veterinary medicine or who otherwise present danger to the public should be disciplined or prohibited from practicing in this State.