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
Denne historien er fra February 15, 2024-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra February 15, 2024-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change