Memorandum submitted by Richard Wiggins
(Vet 13)
I write regarding the proposed changes to the
Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 and the possible inclusion of farrier's
registration into the new framework.
I am a working farrier of 37 years standing
having been registered since 1975. I feel it has worked well and
doesn't need much change at present and certainly not to come
under the umbrella of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
Farrier registration has problems in so much as poor communication
and lack of information regarding the control of the working farrier.
It seems to me that the Farriers Registration
Council has little regard for the interests of the working farrier
as their main concern is animal welfare; to work properly both
have to intermesh. My reasoning is The Farriers Registration Council
is to strongly influenced by The Worshipful Company of Farriers
who draw their power from section one of the current act. All
it needs to rectify the problem is for the Worshipful Company
of Farriers to abdicate their responsibility under section one
to a truly elected committee drawn from working craftsmen, which
would not even involve amendment of the current law.
September 2007
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