Statement from the WCF - Scott Manson
A Statement from the Worshipful Company of Farriers
Promoting the welfare of the horse since 1356
CONVICTION and SENTENCING OF Scott David Manson DipWCF of Ross-on-Wye 20 March 2023
Throughout its long history, the Worshipful Company of Farriers has worked to promote and expect the highest standards in farriery, both in the UK and through its influence, beyond our shores. The education, training and examination, and the continuing professional development of farriers, as well as the welfare of equines, are at the very heart of the Company’s thinking and central to its duties.
However, following the recent conviction in Cheltenham Magistrates Court of Registered Farrier, Scott David Manson DipWCF of Ross-on-Wye (click here for the case link) and recent outcome of the Disciplinary Committee of the Farriers Registration Council, the Company wishes to reiterate its stance on welfare and the appropriate conduct of all those involved in the farriery profession.
As head of the profession, The Worshipful Company of Farriers absolutely condemns the action of any person who displays abusive behaviour within the farriery profession. The Company finds any such conduct unacceptable, be it towards the equine, as in this case, or to other persons. The Company urges all to note the particularly strict sentencing in this case:
Mr Manson is not allowed to own, keep, participate in the care or control of or influence animals, nor deal in, nor arrange transport for animals for 10 years. The Court made plain that in effect Mr Manson may have nothing to do with animals for 10 years. Under s34(1) of the legislation the Court directed that Mr Manson may not apply to terminate the s34 disqualification order for a period of 10 years.
The Company wishes to emphasise its faith in the vast majority of farriers who do not conduct themselves in such a way and recognises that most farriers behave in a professional and compassionate manner. It is important that the damaging actions of an individual do not detract from the excellent work carried out by the majority of farriers in the UK or bring the profession into disrepute.
We wish to thank the animal welfare organisations for their actions in bringing such misconduct cases to the attention of the courts and to our colleagues at the Farriers Registration Council, the profession’s regulatory body, whose remit it is to deal with disciplinary matters.
Issued on behalf of the Master, Wardens, Court & Company on 17th April 2023