COMPLAINTS ABOUT EPA MEMBERS
Members of the Equine Podiatry Association are expected to follow the Association's rules and Code of Conduct. Concerns about the professional conduct of an EPA member can be raised through the Association's complaints procedure.
Where the EPA is notified of a potential breach of its rules, the matter will be considered and investigated in accordance with the Association's procedures. Appropriate action may be taken where a breach is found.
How to Make a Complaint
The Association has a formal Complaints Procedure for dealing with complaints about its members. A copy is available on request from the Association Secretary.
Below are all formal complaints made to the Equine Podiatry Association about its members. The name of the member concerned is only revealed where a complaint has been upheld.
Published Complaints
December 2007
A complaint was made about a Full Member having failed to correct a hoof pathology (white line disease) and unprofessional behaviour. After extensive investigations the Council ruled in May 2008 that there was no evidence that the member had acted unprofessionally. Photographic evidence provided by the member contradicted the claim that the hooves had deteriorated under the member’s care. No formal sanction was taken against the member concerned, but the member was given guidance suggesting that more detailed records be kept in future.
February 2014
A complaint was made about the content of an EP’s website which compared the services provided by an EP with that of a farrier. The complainant requested that the wording be changed as it was deemed to be derogatory to the farriery profession. While the Council did not believe any statements to be untrue, a recommendation was made to the EP concerned that some wording could be amended to be less inflammatory. Guidelines were also issued to the membership about professionalism when publishing information on the internet.