EUTHANASIA

Not the subject you want to think about when your horse is happy and healthy but maybe gaining some information about euthanasia can help you when you need to make that ultimate decision.

When this time comes it will be distressing enough without having to make a decision on what is right for your horse and yourself.

Sometimes, due to unforeseen circumstances this decision has to be made immediately, i.e. due to an accident. It is still your choice on how you would like this carried out. We will respect your decision although the horse's welfare is our main priority.

There are several possibilities:

The local hunt can come out to shoot your horse and then take him/her away.

Your horse can be shot and then taken away for incineration by a local firm.

Your horse can be put to sleep by lethal injection and taken away for incineration.

In all cases if your horse is a pet, and not a horse which is kept for gain, you would be allowed to bury on private land.
There is also the possibility of having return of ashes.

We have a varied experience with euthanasia. We are often asked to sedate horses before they are shot, to make sure they are not anxious or distressed.

When we are asked to put a horse down by lethal injection, we always sedate the horse first. We then place an intravenous catheter. Depending on where the euthanasia is being carried out we will then either completely anaesthetise the horse or immediately administer the lethal injection.

If required we will make arrangements to have the body removed.

Although this is not the most welcome subject please feel free to come an inquire about one of the most difficult decisions you might have to make for your precious horse.

Please ask for Sarah or Irene and we will be happy to answer your questions