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Illegal Farriery
Category: Legal
Published on 29/04/2010 by Helen
Published on 29/04/2010 by Helen
Horse's foot (click for larger)
An Act of Parliament passed in 1975 (amended in 1977) was an attempt to regulate the farriery industry and to ensure certain codes of conduct are followed by all Farriers, that they are suitably qualified and accountable for their work. This is known as the Farriers (Registration) Act 1975 and states its objective:
‘Prevent and avoid suffering by and cruelty to horses arising from the shoeing of horses by unskilled persons; to promote the proper shoeing of horses; to promote the proper training of farriers and shoeing smiths; to provide for the establishment of a Farriers Registration Council to register persons engaged in farriery and the shoeing of horses; to prohibit the shoeing of horses by unqualified persons; and for the purposes connected therewith.’
The Farriers Registration Council (FRC) was set up in 1975 to ensure that all of these objectives were met. All qualified responsible farriers should be on this register and are required to adhere to a code of conduct, both of which are available on their website at www.farrier-reg.gov.uk. As a responsible horse owner you should check that the farrier you are considering is registered. There are currently approximately 2500 farriers registered with the FRC. Most farriers pass the Diploma of the Worshipful Company of Farriers Examination and complete an apprenticeship of just over 4 years. All registered farriers will carry a registration card.
However, what the 1975 Act does not do is make ‘barefoot trimming’ i.e. treatment of your horse’s feet that does not have the aim of shoeing the horse illegal.
The following activities are considered illegal in the UK:
- Removing shoes with the aim of replacing them
- Preparing the foot for shoeing,
- Attaching shoes by any means
- Clench up (removal, filing and bending of any nails that have gone through the horse’s hoof)
Persons reported to and investigated by the FRC can face a fine of up to £1000 plus costs and will acquire themselves a criminal record.
It is essential that all horse owners are aware of their responsibilities in the regards and understand that if they are uncertain about whether a ‘farrier’ is registered or are suspicious about them they contact the FRC immediately. The FRC are friendly folk who are passionate about the job that they do – they want the best for your horses, and will talk you through any steps you may need to take. The FRC can be contacted either through their website (address above) or via telephone on 01733 319911.
Illegal farriery is a problem in Britain and throughout the world. It is important that you ensure that the farrier you use is properly qualified. Failure to do this has resulted in horses becoming lame or infected (some even having to be euthanized) after works have been carried out. Insurances can be invalidated and insurance companies may refuse to pay for remedial work to your horses’ feet if the work was not done properly by the person you had out. By not reporting an unregistered farrier you yourself may be investigated on the grounds of aiding and abetting a criminal act.
The FRC have successfully prosecuted many cases in the last few year. Below is a summary of a selection of them:
- January 2010: Mr B M Woods was found guilty of illegal farriery for the third time at Stockport Magistrates Court. However, due to his financial situation he was only sentenced to a 6 month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £200 towards costs.
- July 2009: Mr Stephen Dale Arnold was found guilty of 2 offences thanks to a report from the public and subsequent investigation by the FRC. He had 2 previous convictions for illegal farriery and on this occasion failed to even turn up at court. In his absence he was found guilty and fined £1500 plus costs of £2890.58 which had to be paid within 28 days.
- May 2009: MR D T Grunewald and Mr P A Grunewald were both found guilty or illegal farriery, despite pleading not guilty. The conviction came about due to the evidence presented to the Magistrates. They were fined £250 each, a victim surcharge was ordered to be paid and costs of £750.
- November 2008: Mr D Sargeant was convicted of 3 charges of illegal farriery following an investigation by the FRC. He was fined £300 and ordered to pay costs of £1000.
Sources of information:
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