Recently BEVA has been in correspondence with both the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and the British Veterinary Association in order to update our membership on the legality of firing of horses under the recent Animal Welfare Act (AWA).
Whilst the firing of horses itself is not illegal nor directly against the RCVS Guide to Professional Conduct , the procedure could be open to challenge under the AWA and a vet would have to defend his/her actions in court. Until such a test case happens, it continues to be a matter for attending clinicians to decide on the most appropriate therapy for their patients, in consultation with the owner.
There is no controlled scientific evidence to support the use of tendon firing and BEVA advises its members to be aware of the ethical considerations and potential legal challenge before firing a horse.
BEVA Council