Illegal horse castration uncovered on East Coast

Horses are regularly being illegally castrated on the East Coast. Photo / File photo

Horses are regularly being illegally castrated by unqualified people on the East Coast of the North Island, an investigation has revealed.

The Ministry for Primary Industries said a culture of illegally castrating horses had become "well ingrained" amongst farmers in Hawke's Bay and the wider East Coast.

It found many unqualified people carrying out the procedure, not only for their own horses but as part of a business enterprise.

Compliance manager Mike Green said MPI was looking at prosecuting people who carried the illegal castrations.

"It appears to be a practice that is well ingrained in the culture of the farming and rural community of the wider East Coast area with this service being utilised by many large station owners despite them knowing it to be illegal.

"We want to get the message across that continuation of this illegal practice may attract prosecution. This includes horse owners who allow the illegal castration of their horses, and people performing illegal castration of horses."

Horse castration, or gelding, has been regarded as a significant surgical procedure for more than 50 years.

It is only allowed to be carried out by a veterinarian.

Under the Animal Welfare Act 1999, the penalties for performing the procedure illegally are a maximum fine of $50,000 or 12 months imprisonment.

Mr Green said those who were carrying out illegal castrations could not plead ignorance of the law.

"There are no excuses for anyone being unaware of its status."

- Herald online