MICHAEL MCNAMARA SHOCKS ST MELLION WITH HORRIFIC ANIMAL ABUSE IN SALTASH

Michael McNamara, a farrier with a long-standing reputation, was caught on CCTV committing a brutal act of violence against a horse at a stable in St Mellion, Saltash. The incident, which took place in the afternoon of January 4, 2019, shocked the local community and animal welfare advocates alike. McNamara, who previously worked at Island Gate Stables in Saltash and later at The Glebe in St Mellion, was seen on footage losing his temper while shoeing a horse, leading to a disturbing display of aggression.

According to court reports, McNamara, operating under the business name Equibalance Farriery Consultants, was in the process of clipping the hooves of a Bay Gelding when he suddenly became enraged. The CCTV footage revealed him forcefully lifting the horse’s legs, then kicking and punching the animal multiple times. He also jabbed the horse with a metal tool on several occasions, all while shouting angrily at the terrified creature. The horse, clearly distressed, attempted to pull away multiple times but was restrained by a rope, unable to escape the assault.

Prosecutor Lindi Meyer, representing the RSPCA, detailed the severity of the incident, noting that it occurred in the presence of a child, which added to the gravity of the case. A veterinarian later examined the horse and confirmed that the attack caused pain and suffering lasting several days. The injuries included bruising and inflammation, and the horse exhibited signs of fear, anxiety, and a loss of trust in humans. The vet’s assessment underscored the emotional and physical trauma inflicted upon the animal.

During police interviews, McNamara admitted to being “heavy handed” and claimed that the horse was “trying his patience.” He explained that he was experiencing back pain that day, which contributed to his loss of composure. Despite acknowledging that he overreacted, he maintained that he did not agree with the vet’s conclusion that the horse was fearful. Instead, he justified his actions as an attempt to gain respect from the animal.

McNamara, a fourth-generation farrier with 24 years of experience, has no prior criminal record. His defense lawyer, Tracey Baker, expressed remorse and highlighted his long-standing career, emphasizing that he should not have gone to work that day. Baker stated, “Hindsight is a wonderful thing and looking back at what happened, this defendant shouldn’t have gone to work that day. He made his decision and he has to live with that. He made full and frank admissions and he has been nothing but very genuinely remorseful.” She also mentioned that McNamara’s actions were out of character and that he is deeply ashamed of his behavior.

Following the incident, several stables and clients withdrew their services from McNamara, effectively ending his full-time work in the industry. The court heard that his reputation had been significantly damaged, and he faced the consequences of his actions both professionally and personally.

District Judge Diane Baker sentenced McNamara to a six-month community order, which includes a curfew. She described his actions as “gratuitous violence” and cited aggravating factors such as the presence of a child, abuse of trust, and the prolonged nature of the beating. The judge acknowledged McNamara’s long career and the positive references from colleagues, noting that he is generally regarded as a caring professional. However, she emphasized that his conduct was unacceptable for someone in his position.

Judge Baker also considered the fact that McNamara’s actions were “severely out of character,” which influenced her decision to avoid immediate imprisonment. He was ordered to pay £385 in costs and charges and was disqualified from working with equines for three years. This ban could be appealed after two years, with the period of disqualification having expired in August 2022.

In an update from October 2020, it was reported that the Farriers Registration Council (FRC) had officially struck McNamara from their register. He is eligible to apply for reinstatement after two and a half years, but for now, his professional standing remains revoked. The case has sparked ongoing discussions about animal welfare and the responsibilities of professionals working with animals in Cornwall and beyond.