The New Zealand Farriers Association have posted the below letter to to their members via their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/NzfaNzFarriersAssociation/
They will only attend cases that are extreme or critical and deemed a welfare issue, under the New Zealand Government Alert level four . If you need to contact a farrier you will in the first instance contact your veterinarian who will advise your farrier.
It is imperative that you remember to follow all the advised self distancing guidelines should this be the case.
New Zealand Farriers Association Inc.
c/- P O Box 214
Kumeu, 0841
AUCKLAND
Secretary: Telephone: 0274 743 645
Email: j.jbryant@xtra.co.nz
25 March 2020
Dear Members of the New Zealand Farriers Association,
Firstly, the New Zealand Farriers Association represents Farrier members across the length of New Zealand. We do not represent Non-members or Barefoot Trimmers. During this four (4) week lock down due to COVID 19 we have been advised by the government that we are NOT an essential business and have to shut down.
I understand this is troubling for our clients and their horses. The government has said in relation to Primary Industry and animal welfare that essential services are:
“Any entity whose closure would jeopardise the maintenance of animal health or welfare standards.”
While we can argue that farriers provide essential services, the majority of our work can be postponed on this four-week lock down. We can extend the length of time we attend to horses without compromising animal health. Trims can be delayed, and shoes can stay on. If clients need assistance during this time they can ring and we can give instructions on safe practices relating to their horses feet.
However, if there are extreme or critical cases, we are still allowed to attend to the horse, but clients first have to contact their vet services.
Our obligation is first and foremost to keep our registered farriers safe and healthy, please do not carry on with your work, as business as usual. In certain circumstances where we do attend the animal, should their health be compromised, I must urge you to follow Ministry Guidelines in relation to COVID 19 health regulations.
As small businesses/self-employed we do qualify for funding from the government to cover loss of income, as far as I am aware this portion is not a loan and does not need to be paid back. Should you need financing from the government this is a different story.
Let me make this clear, that we represent Farrier Members of the New Zealand Farriers Association Inc. ONLY. We do not represent Barefoot trimmers and Non-Members. Although they should be abiding by these rules, it is not within our right to govern them. I strongly urge these people to put the health of your clients and families first. Please do not attend to horses that are not critical under the proviso that you will be safe because you are not in contact with the client. You are putting them at risk and yourselves.
Please, during this time, look after your family, ask for help and stay safe.
Yours sincerely,
ANDREW GOOD
President New Zealand Farriers Association Incorporated
Telephone: 0274 462 808
