Equine Hydrotherapy

The VSA (Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966) emphasises that an animal owner, a member of his household, or his employee, may carry out minor medical treatment. An animal owner or person engaged in caring for animals used in agriculture may carry out medical treatment or minor surgery not involving entry into a body cavity (RCVS, 2014).

 

The Veterinary Surgery (exemptions) Order 1962 allows for the treatment of animals by physiotherapy, provided that the animal has first been seen by a vet who has diagnosed the condition and given permission for the treatment to go ahead. Therefore at our rehabilitation centre we will not perform any treatment on an animal until the vet has given the all clear and has given consent for the animal to receive the treatment (Defra,2011).

 

The Animal Welfare Act 2006

Incorporates the five freedoms:

• From hunger and thirst

• From discomfort

• From pain, injury and disease

• To express normal behaviour

• From fear and distress

(RSPCA, date unknown)

 

The Data Protection Act 1998- this information provided to you by clients is sensitive, you have a responsibility to handle data sensitively and not to disclose to others. This includes information about the horse and its medical requirements/history. Any information about either the horse or owner will not be disclosed to those outside of the business all data will remain confidential (GOV, date unknown)