Two brothers who have illegally worked as farriers for 19 and 15 years have been brought to book by the Farriers Registration Council (FRC) for a third time.
David and Paul Grunewald, from Llanharan, West Glamorgan, have continued to shoe horses despite being fined in 2008 and 2009 at Barry Magistrates Court.
The FRC wants to increase the level of punishment for illegal farriery (news, 11 February) to dissuade repeat offenders.
FRC registrar Felicity Heather said: “A more realistic fine would be £5,000. The maximum is £1,000 at present. We are speaking to Defra, but continue to urge magistrates to impose the strictest fines.”
The Grunewalds pleaded guilty on 6 September and were each fined £500 and costs of £1,000.
The brothers are fighting for their years of experience to be recognised but the FRC said it has been gained unofficially.
Jack and William Burton, of Bishop Auckland, have also been prosecuted for a similar offence.
They were discharged for 12 months and ordered to pay £520 costs each on 3 September at Bishop Auckland Magistrates Court.
This article was first published in Horse & Hound (21 October ’10)
