Response to recent correspondence

[The Vets M&S EVP]

It has come to our attention that an accusation has been made in the Horse and Hound Forum that we have been guilty of inappropriate practice and cruelty whilst assisting with loading a horse. We are grateful that this complete misrepresentation of events was rapidly taken off the Forum. We have been led to believe that the person responsible for spreading these rumours was not even present during the loading process so we are at a loss to understand the purpose of spreading these unfounded rumours. One of our vets did indeed attend to assist in loading a horse at the cited premises. This horse is known to be difficult to load, hence our visit to assist in loading so that the mare could be admitted to the clinic for necessary veterinary treatment. At no stage were ropes used on the horse’s legs "to pull her into the trailer and leave her legs bleeding" nor did she “get pulled to the ground”. Lunge reins were used, crossed behind her, as is common practice. The mare did throw herself to the ground at one point, sustaining mild superficial injuries,which were immediately treated. The loading attempt was therefore abandoned.

We are at a loss to understand the intention behind spreading these lies. Our intentions, as always, were to safeguard the welfare of the horse and provide appropriate necessary veterinary treatment.

 

[YasandCrystal]

Sadly some posters on this forum like to embellish and make up stories for attention. It is also 'school holiday' season.

I for one have never yet come accross a cruel vet and I would expect and certainly hope that most forum members would take any such story as fabricated and never on face value.

 

[quirky]

I didn't have a clue which practice she was on about, not that it really mattered.

When somebody registers just to make a defamatory post, there is usually very little truth in it.

 

[Black_Horse_White]

This person claimed to have there horse in livery at the yard in question. So it shouldn't be difficult for you to find out who they are. If it is untrue then that person should be taken to task about it.

 

[Alec Swan]

M&S,

your defence is to be applauded.

Alec.

 

[Keflavik]

Good on you for responding quickly.
Whilst this forum generally seems to be used appropriately, there appears to be a small nucleus of subscribers who aim to decry vets both generally & specifically. The pattern appears to be - request (free) veterinary advice, contradict any replies, whinge about veterinary fees & costs of treatments then recommend a (£100) bottle of batwing, balsam and blackcurrent extract - available online - and guaranteed to cure everything from sarcoids to spavin.
A friend who works in an equine vet practice tells me that her practice was 'dissed' on this forum some years ago by an ex- client who claimed to have had a 'bad experience' with the practice. The subscriber was easily identified by the practice, and the 'bad experience' apparently related to being pursued via legal channels for an unpaid debt for costly, but successful treatment.
My friend decided to go no further in refuting the allegation, however did feel that condemnation in the public domain could have an adverse effect on her business.
Perhaps subscribers who wish to defame vets in this forum should think carefully about the potential implications of doing so?