Saying Goodbye

We understand that losing a beloved horse, pony or donkey is a difficult and upsetting time. We wish to help our clients find out as much about euthanasia (putting to sleep) process as possible, so an informed decision can be made when the time comes. Euthanasia is without doubt the kindest way to a dignified end for your equine friend.

As a veterinary practice we aim to help you through this loss, inform you about your choices and what to expect, as well as provide the peaceful end that your much loved horse deserves. We are always available to support you through this difficult time.

Making The Decision

Sometimes the decision to say goodbye is due to illness or injury but more often than not it can be because your horse has naturally become older and their quality of life has deteriorated.

People often ask; 'How will I know when the time is right?' The quality of a horse's life is defined by their overall physical and mental well being. We strongly recommend assessing your horse's quality of life by keeping a record of their activity and comfort levels over a period of time.

• Are they still enjoying their exercise/work or is it a struggle?
• Do they seem to be comfortable?
• How is their appetite?
• Do they seem happy and content?

You can find a helpful Quality of Life Questionnaire below to download.

Remember to talk to us. Although we can't make the decision for you, we can help to relieve any concerns and fears and offer you an unbiased opinion on the best treatment for your horse.

What Happens Next?

Once you have reached the decision, the next step is to consider the time and the place. We always try to accommodate your wishes as much as possible.

Most people choose to have their horses euthanased at home or at their yard so that they are relaxed in their surroundings. Ideally a flat area of grass is a suitable site, preferably with vehicular access.

If two horses are particularly closely bonded, it may be necessary to sedate their companion to avoid them becoming agitated. It can also be helpful if possible to take your other horse or pony to see their euthanased companion and let them sniff or graze nearby until they show no more interest. This can stop the companion from calling for their partner. However don’t be surprised if the horse does not show any interest as this is not unusual.

You may wish to stay with your horse or you may choose not to be present during euthanasia. There is no right or wrong decision but we will need someone to be present to assist the vet. . If you are able to be calm and relaxed during the procedure, then your presence is likely to be reassuring for your horse. If you are visibly distressed however, then it may be better to ask a trusted friend to do this for you as your anxiety will be picked up by your horse. Your vet will require you or someone on your behalf to sign a consent form.

The Procedure

You will be asked to sign a consent form giving your permission for the procedure to go ahead. The procedure involves administering an overdose of an anaesthetic drug via the vein. Horses are normally sedated first and then the injection is given through a cannula in their jugular vein. Your horse loses consciousness after the injection and slowly collapses, their heart will then stop shortly after they are anaesthetised. Your horse is fully unconscious when they fall to the ground and is unaware and will not feel any pain or discomfort.

Occasionally horses can twitch or appear to gasp once they have been euthanased. This is normal and is the result of the muscles, including the diaphragm relaxing and they will usually empty their bladder and bowels. It is important to be prepared for these signs but they do not happen in every case. All these reflexes happen after they have passed away.

Following Euthanasia

It is important at a time of loss that you consider all options available for your horse's final resting place. It can be easier to think about this in advance so there is a plan in place for when the time comes.

Individual Cremation - This is where your horse will be individually cremated and only their ashes returned to you. 

Communal Cremation - This is where your horse will be collected and cremated with other horses. They are treated with the same care and consideration as individual cremations but you do not receive their ashes back.

Burial - You need to check with your local Trading Standards Office whether this is permitted.  At the time of writing, DEFRA does allow burial of pet horses at the discretion of the local authority. Each case is considered on an individual basis and will depend on local water courses etc. (Please refer to www.gov.uk/fallen-stock for further information).

Hunt Kennels - As horses are considered food animals, if euthanasia has been performed by shooting they can be donated to hunts or zoos. If your horse was suffering from a disease and taking medication it will be deemed as signed out of the food chain, making the horse unsuitable for animal consumption.

Insurance

Following euthanasia you may want to consider any insurance your horse may be covered with. We advise checking your policy as you may be covered for some of the cost and you should inform them of the death of your horse. You will also need to inform the relevant Passport Issuing Organisation and return the passport to them within 30 days. Many PIO’s will return the passport to you afterwards if you request as a keepsake.

Post Mortem

In some cases we may ask if you wish for a post mortem to be carried out. Post mortems can help determine the cause of death if your horse/pony died unexpectedly. In some situations insurance companies may insist on a post mortem before a mortality claim is paid out.

Useful Links

British Horse Society www.bhs.org.uk/horse-care-and-welfare.

World Horse Welfare www.worldhorsewelfare.org/advice/equine-end-of-life.

Blue Cross www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/horse

Cremtor Ltd cremtor.co.uk 01626 353990

Horse Ambulance www.horseambulance.co.uk 07772 077333

AP Goatman www.apgoatman.co.uk 07870 934068