Kindness at the end

The thought of euthanasia often prompts an emotional response, but it is vital to take a clear-headed approach when assessing the possibility. Liz Richardson MRCVS explains

EUTHANASIA is the humane termination of an animal’s life and, when correctly chosen and applied, it is one of the kindest acts we can perform.

Deciding the right time to euthanise a horse is often extremely difficult, and is a personal decision that each of us must make based on our own values and experiences.

The decision, however, can be made less painful when considered in advance. Justification for euthanising any equine – or indeed, any animal – for humane reasons should be based on medical considerations as well as quality of life.

There are many reasons for considering euthanasia, but the need to do so usually ensues when a horse is old and debilitated, sick, injured, dangerous or unwanted.

Decisions may be based on an acute emergency, while others are related to chronic and progressive conditions that cause the horse to decline with time. Catastrophic accidents are usually an emergency, such as those caused by accidents occurring during transportation, when riding or training.

Euthanasia may be warranted for a horse that is a danger to itself, its handlers or even other herd-mates. Personal circumstances of the horse owner or management, such as illness or financial impairment, may also be reasons for requesting or electing for euthanasia.

Where personal factors or financial constraints are present, every effort should of course be made to rehome a healthy horse responsibly.

QUALITY IS CRUCIAL