The Veterinary Act

As a result of the Veterinary Act (1966) and the subsequent exemptions; it is ILLEGAL for any person, other than the owner of the animal, to treat an animal unless the permission of the animals Veterinary Surgeon is SOUGHT and OBTAINED.

The implications of the Veterinary Act (1966) are to safeguard the WELFARE of HORSES.

As a direct result the Equine Masseur must contact the Veterinary Surgeon used by the client and gain permission to treat the animal.

There are many therapists of varying specialism working outside the parameters of the Veterinary Act (1966).

These individuals are BREAKING THE LAW. They are often not INSURED, or members of a professional body.

The Veterinary Surgeons Act, passed in parliament in 1948 to protect the welfare of sick and injured animals from treatment by unqualified persons.

The practice of veterinary surgeons in the UK is governed by the Veterinary Act (1966). Under that act (with certain exemptions noted below) no one may practice veterinary surgery unless they are registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

The exemptions to the general rules of The Veterinary Act (1966) are as follows:

1. A doctor or dentist may carry out any treatment, test or operation on an animal, provided he does so at the request of a registered Veterinary surgeon.

2. A doctor may also perform an operation on an animal for the purposes of removing an organ or tissue for use in treatment of a human being.

3. The treatment of an animal by Physiotherapy; if carried out under the direction of a registered Veterinary Surgeon who has examined the animal and prescribed such a treatment.

4. An owner of an animal (or his employees, or other members of the owner’s household) may administer minor medical treatment to his own animal.