Is shooting the kindest way to euthanise horses?

 a noise from the firearm when this happens. The horse will immediately fall onto the floor, because death is instantaneous once the firearm is discharged. 

How should an owner choose between the two methods? 

This is entirely a personal decision.

Euthanasia with a free bullet

For some horses, a firearm may be the most appropriate method of euthanasia. It is instant and completely pain-free. And it may be suitable for horses that are extremely reactive to, or fearful of, needles going into their vein. It may also be a more affordable option for some owners. This is because it is often carried out by local hunt staff or equine euthanasia professionals.  

However, it is important to remember that for some owners, this method can feel shocking. Hearing a bang can add to the distress that an owner might already be feeling. On occasion, there may be some twitching of the limbs, or a trickle of blood from the forehead or nostrils of the horse. It is important to remember that the twitching is not a conscious movement; instead it can be thought of as the body’s mechanical processes switching off after the horse has passed away.

Lethal injection

Euthanasia by injection may feel like a quieter and calmer way. However, some horses may find the cannula placement upsetting or as mentioned above, may react strongly to the cannula and needle. Sometimes, horses may move backwards or throw up their head after the injection. This may be upsetting or shocking for the owner, but this is not under conscious control of the horse.

With both methods, but especially with use of a firearm, owners are usually asked to stand away from the horse in the interest of safety. This is not only linked to safety around the firearm, but is also related to the fact that a falling horse may cause injury to the owner.

Both methods are humane, quick, and painless. Therefore they are equally valid. Whether one is right or wrong is simply a matter of what is most suitable for the individual horse and their owner. 

Should I be there when my horse is put to sleep? 

Again, this is a completely personal decision. Your vet will be able to talk through the planned process with you, and help you decide if staying is the right choice. As horses are so big, and are usually standing when euthanasia takes place. It is important to consider that the horse falling onto the floor might be distressing. Some owners choose to stay if the horse is sedated and say their goodbyes, then leave whilst the procedure is carried out, returning afterwards to spend some time with their horse. Other owners feel OK to remain in the area during the procedure. And for other owners, not being there at all is the right choice. The horse will have no memory of the event, so the mental wellbeing of the owner is essential; and no one will judge any owner, regardless of their decision. 

Conclusion

Whilst this blog seems like a very sad one, it’s really important to remember what we mean by euthanasia. This term literally means ‘good death’. It is an act that we carry out in order to relieve suffering. It’s very selfless and is the very last kind thing we do for our horses. Although the decision and process can be incredibly hard, it’s important to take comfort from knowing that, regardless of the method chosen, the horse was unaware and that the process was quick and painless. It is also very important to remember that your vet will have supported you in coming to this decision knowing that it was the right one, regardless of the method chosen to carry out the procedure.