BEVA highlights horse measuring case
The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has highlighted the findings of a disciplinary hearing brought by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) against Veterinary Surgeon Dr Marc Auerbach of Oak Equine Veterinary Surgery, Ongar, due to the subject of the (ultimately dismissed) case being the measurement of ponies and horses under the Joint Measurement Board (JMB) scheme.
BEVA considers the findings of the proceedings to be of significant interest to all of those people involved in the measurement of horses and ponies, with the proceedings highlighting the difficulty in establishing the true height of a horse or pony. The proceedings indicate that the height of a mature horse or pony can alter, and that the height of the animal may be influenced by external factors including seasonality feeding and pharmacological agents, and the BEVA has advised its members to note the findings with care.
The BEVA Council has a representative on the Joint Measurement Board and has announced the intention of supporting the integrity of the veterinary surgeon as the ramifications of the RCVS ruling become apparent. The BEVA has also declared the intention of being pro-active in advising the JMB should it feel that a review of the measuring and certification procedures is appropriate following this investigation.
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
