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Making the Decision to Humanely Euthanize your Horse?

Humane: marked by compassion, sympathy, or consideration for humans or animals

Euthanasia: the act or practice of killing or permitting the death of hopelessly sick or injured individuals (as persons or domestic animals) in a relatively painless way for reasons of mercy

As Defined by Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary

Making the decision to humanely euthanize your horse is not an easy decision, however it is a decision that a great majority of horse owners have to face. Horses can generally live 25 to 30 years, but when the time comes it is best to be prepared. Though the thought of loosing your beloved friend may be upsetting, it will be much more upsetting if there is no plan for your horse's future. It is wise to discussed this topic with your spouse and family members prior to purchasing or adopting a horse.

Deciding to euthanize your horse is YOUR Decision. You may want to discuss options and listen to suggestions from your veterinarian or other horse experts, but ultimately it is YOUR Decision. However, in the event that your horse needs emergency treatment, Indiana State Law gives the Veterinarian the right to euthanize the horse to relieve it from pain and suffering:

A licensed veterinarian or a registered veterinary technician who on the veterinarian's or technician's own initiative gives emergency treatment to a sick or injured animal is not liable in damages to the owner of such animal in the absence of gross negligence. If a licensed veterinarian performs euthanasia on the animal, there is a presumption that such was a humane act, necessary to relieve it of pain and suffering.

As Stated in Indiana State Law - Indiana Code 15-5-1.1-31

Things to think about and plan for:

Methods of Euthanasia

Most horse owners will decide to have a vet chemically euthanize the horse with lethal injection or will humanely euthanize the horse their self with a fire arm. It is very important to educate yourself on the correct manner to euthanize a horse with a fire arm:

How to Property Euthanize a Horse with a Fire Arm

The proper location of gunshot penetration is important in the destruction of the brain and minimizing suffering. The optimal site for penetration of the skull is one-half inch above the intersection of a diagonal line from the base of the ear to the in side corner of the opposite eye. The firearm should be aimed directly down the neck, perpendicular to the front of the skull, and held at least 2-6 inches away from the point of impact. When performed skillfully, gunshot induces instantaneous unconscious usness, is inexpensive, and does not require close contact with the horse.

A .22-caliber long rifle is recommended, but a 9mm or .38-caliber handgun will be sufficient for most horses. The use of hollow-point or soft nose bullets will increase brain destruction and reduce the chance of ricochet. If a shotgun is the only available firearm, the use of a rifled slug is preferred.

This method should only be attempted by individuals trained in the use of firearms and who understand the potential for ricochet. Care must be taken to minimize the danger to the operator, observers, and other animals. Personnel must comply with all laws and regulations governing the possession and discharge of firearms; local ordinances may prohibit the discharge of firearms in certain areas.

Details taken from The Emergency Euthanasia of Horses from the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Animal Health and Food Safety Services, Animal Care Program and UC Davis Veterinary Medicine Extension, School of Veterinary Medicine

Research and Veterinary Teaching Programs

Does your horse fit into a research program at a University? In Indiana, Purdue University will take horses that fit into their research programs for teaching purposes. You can call Purdue Veterinary Hospital to discuss this option for your horse. They will normally use the horse for teaching, euthanize it, and dispose of it. Click here for a list of Universities in the U.S., U.K. Canada, and New Zealand.

Disposal of the Horse's body

(a) A person owning or caring for any animal that has died from any cause may not allow the body to lie about. Any animal body shall be disposed of by the person within twenty-four (24) hours after knowledge of death so as not to produce a nuisance. Disposal must be by one (1) of the following methods:
        (1) At an approved disposal plant.
        (2) Burial upon the owner's premises to such a depth that every part of the animal's body is at least four (4) feet below the natural surface of the ground and every part of the animal's body is covered with at least four (4) feet of earth in addition to any other material that may be used as cover.
        (3) Thorough and complete incineration according to standards established by an appropriate governmental agency.
        (4) Composting according to standards approved by the board.
    (b) The board may adopt rules that allow for alternate methods of disposing of dead animals that will promote the safe, orderly, and efficient disposal of dead animals. The board may adopt rules and issue orders restricting the use of the disposal methods described in subsection (a) to control disease.

As Stated in Indiana State Law - Indiana Code 15-2.1-16-20

Methods of Disposal

Burying the Horse

If you decide that you want to bury your horse on your property, does your area have a requirement for burying horses? Certain counties in Indiana have regulations when burying animals, check with your county's Zoning Commission. Burying a horse requires a very large grave to be dug, do you own a backhoe, will you need to rent one, what companies are in your area?

Calling a Rendering Company

Cremation

Wild Cat / Wolf / Wild Animal Sanctuaries

Additional Articles About The Euthanasia of Horses

The Emergency Euthanasia of Horses from the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Animal Health and Food Safety Services, Animal Care Program and UC Davis Veterinary Medicine Extension, School of Veterinary Medicine

Euthanasia — What You Need To Know About Putting a Horse Down from the Horse and Horse Information Website

At Your Mercy: Euthanasia - What every horse owner needs to know about euthanasia, excerpted from Hands-On Senior Horse Care, The Complete Book of Senior Equine Management & First Aid. By Karen E.N. Hayes, DVM, MS, and Sue M. Copeland from Equisearch.com

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