July 1, 2026 – Amsterdam – Schelstraete Equine Law is pleased to announce its conference, ‘PPEs: Challenges and Responsibilities in an International Perspective – The Same Report, Opposing Interests: Lawyers, Veterinarians, and PPEs’, on 25 September 2026 in Amsterdam. Designed for veterinary professionals, the event will bring together leading experts in veterinary medicine and equine law to explore the evolving role of pre-purchase examinations (PPEs) in national and international equine transactions.
Growing Legal and Veterinary Scrutiny of Pre-Purchase Examinations
Recent court decisions and liability cases in the Netherlands and abroad have highlighted the increasing importance of PPEs in both domestic and international equine transactions. These developments have raised important questions about the scope of a PPE, the responsibilities of the examining veterinarian, and the interpretation of PPE reports in disputes. Against this backdrop, the conference aims to provide veterinary professionals with a deeper understanding of their role and the potential legal implications of their work, both within national contexts and across international borders.
Attendees will explore the purpose and scope of a PPE, what can reasonably be expected from the veterinarian conducting the examination, and which findings should be reported, even when doing so may jeopardize a sale. The conference will also examine how lawyers approach and interpret a PPE report, and what role the veterinarian plays within the broader legal and commercial context of an equine transaction. In addition, a dedicated part of the program will address how different legal systems and professional standards across jurisdictions shape the responsibilities of all parties involved.
“PPEs are often decisive in equine transactions, yet they remain one of the most debated areas where veterinary expertise and legal expectations intersect.”, said Luc Schelstraete, Founder and Managing Partner of Schelstraete Equine Law.
“As PPE reports increasingly become the subject of litigation, it is important for veterinarians to understand not only the clinical aspects of their work, but also the legal context in which those reports are used.”, added Piotr Wawrzyniak, Managing Partner at Schelstraete Equine Law.
Leading Veterinary and Equine Law Experts to Speak
The conference will feature presentations from leading experts in equine veterinary medicine and law, including Dr. Mathilde Pluim, Drs. Peter van Oijen, Vincent Zitman, Dr. Zachary Calo, Dr. Marc Oertly, Dagmar Borchers, and Ludovic Duarte.
Additional program details will be announced in the lead-up to the event.
Conference Information and Registration
The conference will take place on 25 September 2026 from 10:00 to 17:00 at Van der Valk Hotel Amsterdam Zuidas, Tommaso Albinonistraat 200, 1083 HM Amsterdam. The program will be followed by a networking reception.
The registration fee is €595 excluding VAT and includes refreshments, lunch, and digital and printed conference materials. Registration is available via schelstraete.com/events.
About Schelstraete Equine Law
Schelstraete Equine Law is an international law firm dedicated to equine law, sports law, commercial litigation, and consultancy.
The firm advises clients worldwide on equine transactions, disputes, veterinary liability matters, regulatory issues, and international commercial agreements, combining legal expertise with deep sector knowledge.
Media contact
Charlotte van den Akker
