Animal

Farrier filmed attacking horse after he ‘lost his rag’ struck off


Farrier Michael McNamara, 41, beat the helpless horse with a metal tool (Picture: SWNS)

An experienced farrier has been struck off after he was filmed viciously attacking a helpless horse.

Michael McNamara, 41, was clipping the horse’s hooves when he ‘lost his rag’, punching and kicking the animal, and smacking it with a metal tool 18 times.

The terrified horse was tethered during the attack and can be seen anxiously shifting around its stable, trying to avoid McNamara.

In an interview, McNamara admitted he was ‘heavy handed’ but claimed the horse was ‘trying his patience’.

A vet concluded the attack caused the horse pain lasting several days, with injuries including bruising and inflammation, as well as fear, anxiety and a future lack of trust.

The incident also happened in the presence of a child at the stables on January 4.

McNamara, who has been a farrier for 24 years, pleaded guilty to one charge of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

District Judge Diane Baker handed him a six-month community order, a night-time curfew and a ban from working with horses for three years.

McNamara, from Saltash, Cornwall, has now been stuck off by the Farriers Registration Council (FRC).

An FRC spokesperson added: ‘The veterinary surgeon stated that Mr McNamara’s conduct would have caused unnecessary suffering to the horse, both physically and mentally, by way of pain, inflammation, fear and anxiety.

‘The disciplinary committee was satisfied that Mr McNamara’s conduct fell well below the standards expected of a registered farrier and constituted serious misconduct in a professional respect.’

McNamara has to wait two and a half years before he can apply to be restored to the register.

FRC chairman David Hall added: ‘The conduct displayed by Mr McNamara was in every way appalling and has inflicted damage on the reputation of the profession of farriery.

‘Together with our colleagues in the profession, the regulator will redouble its efforts to ensure high standards of equine welfare, such that the public may have confidence in registered farriers and the important work they do.’

Speaking after the sentencing, RSPCA Inspector Claire Ryder said: ‘This was a vicious and sustained attack on a terrified horse, who for much of it was tethered and unable to escape while being exposed to inexcusable violence.’

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