Pin firing... is it allowed in england ?

Question

just a questron i think it's barbarric but i thought it was illegal but not sure as know of a horse getting it done in england have the laws changed

Answer 1

I don't know very much about Pin firing, in-fact i never herd of it before. So it sparked my interest.  So i looked it up.  It sounds really pain full. But one article i found said that if done properly can be very beneficial.  It doesn't sound like fun, but like i said i don't know anything about it.

Answer 2

Pin firing is the treatment of an injury by burning, freezing, or dousing it with acid or caustic chemicals. This is supposed to induce a counter-irritation and speed and/or improve healing. This treatment is prevalent in equine veterinary books published in the early 20th Century, however many present-day veterinarians and horse owners consider it barbaric and a cruel form of treatment.

I'm not sure if it's allowed in England... I don't live there but you can always ask your nearby vet.  It sounds horrible!!!

Answer 3

I thought it was no longer carried out, but about three years ago I met a horse that had been pin fired, so I guess it is still legal.  

Answer 4

It is allowed.  It is supposed to tighten up the ligaments and create scar tissue to make the tears stronger.

You are right, it is barbaric to watch being done and to treat afterwards.  I am not sure I would subject my horse to this without major painkillers afterwards.

I worked in a showjumping yard where operations of this nature were commonly practised.  It was horrible, but in 90 percent of cases the horses did come sound, though it took some time.  To me it was the worst kind of operation to see.

Answer 5

not sure about how illegal it is but i do know that alot of race horses have it done as often see it mentioned in sales catalogues when i go to the ascot sales etc!

Answer 6

Don't know about legality - I did know a horse who had it done about 15 years ago.

Not heard of it being done recently though.

Answer 7

i dont think it's illegal but i think it's just not the best method. i was used to release tension as above it is normally on race horses. i had an ex racer that had it done it does leave alot of scarring though!

Answer 8

Pin firing and line firing are most commonly done to racehorses with tendon injuries. I live in the UK, I'm not sure if it's legal or not but I know it happens a lot.

Answer 9

The first answer is correct in describing what it is. I would have thought that there are now more humane ways of getting the required result. Ask a vet.