Euthanasia

The need to say goodbye
Alongside the pleasures and rewards of horse ownership there are inevitably some hard times and none more so than having to say goodbye to a muchloved equine.
While euthanasia is not something we want to dwell on its important to accept that it can become necessary at any time. Whether it has to be an urgent decision resulting from severe inoperable colic or the result of a chronic condition such as degenerative joint disease our responsibility is to protect horses from suffering. This is a legal as well as a moral obligation to animals in our care.

For more information on how to monitor quality of life and end of life care
Euthanasia
The need to say goodbye
Alongside the pleasures and rewards of horse ownership there are inevitably some hard times and none more so than having to say goodbye to a muchloved equine.
While euthanasia is not something we want to dwell on its important to accept that it can become necessary at any time. Whether it has to be an urgent decision resulting from severe inoperable colic or the result of a chronic condition such as degenerative joint disease our responsibility is to protect horses from suffering. This is a legal as well as a moral obligation to animals in our care.
For more information on how to monitor quality of life and end of life care read our Quality of Life blog.
Planning ahead
Having a euthanasia plan can make a big difference at a stressful time.  A horse may require emergency euthanasia at any point leaving no opportunity to explore options. While it can be difficult to think about euthanasia when our horse is healthy it will be time well spent if we brave the topic in advance and are familiar with what is involved and the decisions we may need to make.

Methods of euthanasia
Horses can be put to sleep by injection or by bullet. Both are completely humane and cause no suffering to the horse when carried out by a qualified experienced professional.
Lethal injection must be administered by a vet. It is effectively an overdose of anaesthetic causing the horse to quickly lose consciousness before stopping the heart.
A specific gun is used to euthanase large animals which must be operated by a licensed trained and experienced individual. This may be a vet knackerman slaughterer or someone working for a hunt. By