Farriers take man to court for third time

A man who pleaded guilty to tending to a horse’s hooves without the necessary qualifications, has been given a six month conditional discharge.

Michael Woods, of Manchester Road, Greenfield, admitted unlawful farriery.

The allegation against Woods was that on July 26, 2009, he undertook farriery on a horse at a livery yard in Romiley. Woods pleaded guilty to the charges against him at Stockport Magistrates Court where a six-month conditional discharge was imposed.

Woods was also ordered to make a contribution towards prosecution costs of £200.

This is the third time that Woods has been successfully prosecuted. The Farriery Council has expressed disappointment with the leniency of Woods’s punishment.

Under the Farriers (Registration) Act 1975 it is a criminal offence for anyone other than a registered farrier, approved apprentice or veterinary surgeon to shoe a horse.

The Register of Farriers is administered by the Farriers Council and it is policy to pursue a private prosecution when sufficient evidence is available.

To qualify for registration as a farrier - a highly skilled profession - a person must complete a four year and two-month apprenticeship, and pass the Diploma of the Worshipful Company of Farriers examination.