Veterinary care is one of the most important aspects of responsible horse ownership. Whether for routine vaccinations, injury management, diagnostic testing, or surgical intervention, equine owners rely on vets to deliver expert care and sound judgement. But what happens when something goes wrong? Disputes between horse owners and veterinary professionals can arise over treatment decisions, costs, misdiagnoses, delays, or poor outcomes.
At Blackstone Solicitors, we assist clients across England and Wales in resolving veterinary care disputes. These conflicts often involve legal, ethical and financial dimensions, and can be distressing due to the strong emotional bond between owner and horse. This article outlines the legal rights of horse owners, the responsibilities of veterinary professionals, and the steps you can take to address and resolve such conflicts constructively and lawfully.
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For a free initial discussion with a member of our New Enquiries Team, get in touch with us today. We are experienced in dealing with all the legal aspects of Equine Law, and once instructed, we will review your situation and discuss the options open to you in a clear and approachable manner. Early expert legal assistance can help ensure you are on the best possible footing from the start and also avoid the stress of dealing with these issues on your own. Simply call us on 0345 901 0445 or click here to make a free enquiry and a member of the team will get back to you.
Common Causes of Veterinary Disputes
Conflicts between owners and equine vets usually fall into one or more of the following categories:
- Alleged misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of injury or illness
- Treatment errors resulting in further harm or death
- Consent disputes, where the owner believes a procedure was carried out without full authorisation
- Unclear communication about prognosis, risk, or treatment costs
- Perceived negligence or failure to follow professional standards
- Billing disputes or claims of overcharging
- Inappropriate or insufficient aftercare advice
Understanding the nature of the disagreement is key to determining the best course of action. Not every poor outcome is the result of negligence—but if you believe the standard of care was substandard or you have been treated unfairly, there are legal steps you can take.
- Clarify the Issue and Review Records
The first step is to clarify your concerns and gather all relevant information. Veterinary disputes are best approached in a calm, fact-based manner.
Start by:
- Requesting a copy of your horse’s clinical records (you are entitled to this under the Veterinary Medicines Regulations)
- Reviewing any consent forms, invoices, and written communications
- Making a timeline of events relating to your horse’s care
- Identifying whether your concerns relate to professional conduct, negligence, or financial disagreement
This initial review will help you assess whether your concerns are based on a breakdown in communication or whether there are grounds for a formal complaint or legal action.
- Communicate Directly with the Vet or Practice
Many disputes can be resolved through open, respectful communication. You should first:
- Contact the veterinary practice manager or lead vet
- Clearly explain your concerns and what outcome you are seeking (e.g., an explanation, apology, correction, or financial adjustment)
- Ask questions about the decisions taken, and request clarification where information was unclear or omitted
- Express any emotional or practical impact the issue has had on you and your horse
Veterinary professionals are expected to maintain open, honest communication and may be willing to explain their reasoning or offer to resolve the matter informally.
Legal Note: Keep a record of all communications, including dates and details of conversations, in case the matter progresses further.
- Make a Formal Complaint to the Practice
If informal communication does not lead to resolution, the next step is to submit a formal written complaint to the veterinary practice, following their internal complaints procedure.
Include:
- A concise summary of the incident(s) in question
- Copies of any supporting documents (clinical notes, bills, photos)
- A clear explanation of why you are dissatisfied
- Details of any harm or loss suffered
- The outcome you are seeking (e.g., refund, apology, explanation)
The practice is obliged to investigate and respond to your complaint, typically within a defined period (often 28 days). If they fail to respond, or you remain unsatisfied, you may consider escalation.
- Escalate to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS)
The RCVS regulates veterinary professionals in the UK and investigates complaints involving professional misconduct, which may include:
- Serious incompetence or negligence
- Dishonesty or fraud
- Breach of client consent or confidentiality
- Failure to act in the best interests of the animal
To make a complaint to the RCVS:
- Submit your concerns in writing, supported by relevant documents
- Focus on how the vet’s actions fell below expected professional standards
- Be aware that the RCVS is not a compensation body—it investigates disciplinary matters rather than issuing financial awards
If the RCVS finds that the vet’s conduct constitutes serious professional misconduct, they can impose sanctions, including suspension or removal from the register.
- Consider a Civil Claim for Veterinary Negligence
If you have suffered financial loss, emotional distress, or the loss of your horse due to veterinary negligence, you may have grounds for a civil claim for professional negligence. This route may be appropriate where:
- The vet owed you a duty of care
- The vet breached that duty through substandard care
- That breach caused identifiable harm or loss
Examples of veterinary negligence might include:
- Administering the wrong medication or dose
- Failing to refer your horse for specialist care
- Performing surgery incorrectly
- Delayed diagnosis of a life-threatening condition
You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Veterinary bills
- Purchase price or value of the horse
- Emotional distress
- Loss of use (if the horse can no longer be ridden or competed)
- Legal costs
Time limits apply – generally, you must bring a claim within six years of the incident (or three years from the date of knowledge, in personal injury cases).
At Blackstone Solicitors, we work closely with equine veterinary experts to assess whether a vet’s actions fell below acceptable standards, and we can represent you in pursuing damages.
- Use Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Before pursuing court action, you may consider resolving the matter through alternative dispute resolution, such as:
- Mediation, where a neutral third party helps facilitate a settlement
- Arbitration, where a qualified expert makes a binding decision
ADR can be quicker, less costly and less adversarial than court proceedings. Many professional indemnity insurers for vets encourage or require ADR before litigation.
Our team can advise on whether ADR is appropriate and help represent your interests during the process.
- Preventing Future Conflicts
While not all disputes are avoidable, there are steps you can take as a horse owner to minimise the risk of future conflict with veterinary professionals:
- Choose a practice with equine expertise and a strong reputation
- Request clear explanations of treatment options, costs and risks before proceeding
- Always give (and obtain) informed consent in writing where possible
- Keep your own records of treatment and correspondence
- Ask for second opinions in complex or high-stakes cases
- Ensure your horse is insured for both veterinary care and public liability
Being proactive, informed and communicative helps foster a constructive relationship with your vet—and gives you a stronger position if things go wrong.
Conclusion
Conflicts involving your horse’s veterinary care can be deeply distressing. At times like these, it is important to act calmly, gather evidence, and understand your rights. While many issues can be resolved through communication and internal complaints procedures, some cases require formal complaints to regulators or legal action for negligence.
At Blackstone Solicitors, we provide clear, compassionate, and expert legal advice to horse owners throughout England and Wales. Whether you’re concerned about a recent veterinary experience, need support with a compensation claim, or are considering formal complaint or litigation, we’re here to help.
How we can help
We have a proven track record of helping clients deal with the process involved in equine legal issues. We will guide you diligently and ensure all checks are carried out swiftly and efficiently and we firmly believe that with the right solicitors by your side, the entire process will seem more manageable and far less daunting. You can read more about the range of equine law services we offer by clicking here: https://blackstonesolicitorsltd.co.uk/equine-law/.
How to Contact Our Equine Law Solicitors
It is important for you to be well informed about the issues and possible implications of dealing with the many aspects of equine law. However, expert legal support is crucial in terms of ensuring a positive outcome to your case.
To speak to our Equine Law solicitors today, simply call us on 0345 901 0445, or click here to make a free enquiry. We are well known across the country and can assist wherever you are based. We also have offices based in Cheshire and London.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice on any individual circumstances.
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