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site updated January  19, 2008

Euthanasia

With horse ownership comes responsibility, responsible horse owners understand ALL aspects of ownership including Euthanasia. There are as many different types of horse owners as there are horses. Many horse owners own other types of livestock such as cattle or goats. Dealing with life and death is not a novelty situation that we take lightly. Horse slaughter is no different than the slaughter of any other livestock. Animal welfare for ALL animals is paramount. Because of the public interest in horses, horses have gained national attention that has put them at the forefront for regulations. Horse slaughter and transportation are more regulated than any other form of livestock slaughter in the United States. Horses also have an advantage over many other types of livestock because most horses have extensive handling which makes them less nervous when being handled by unfamiliar people. If anything, horses are less stressed at a slaughter facility than cattle or other unhandled livestock.

The information on this page is taken directly from universities that study and research animal welfare, the same universities that train our veterinarians. Please don't limit your studies to these two universities, there are many others that offer unfiltered and unbiased information.

Procedures for Humane Euthanasia of Livestock - University of Florida, Extension Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences

The Emergency Euthanasia of Horses - UC Davis Veterinary Medicine Extension, School of Veterinary Medicine

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“Euthanasia” is a Greek term meaning “good death”. In this context, its objectives are met when death is induced which causes no pain or distress to an animal. To avoid pain and distress requires that the techniques which are used cause immediate loss of consciousness followed by cardiac and respiratory arrest that ultimately results in loss of brain function. Persons who perform this task must be technically proficient and have a basic understanding of the anatomical landmarks and equipment used for humane euthanasia of animals.

Aesthetic Concerns

Both gunshot and penetrating captive bolt are aesthetically displeasing procedures. Euthanasia by either technique results in involuntary movements, and occasionally vocalization, that may be inaccurately interpreted as painful to an inexperienced person. Therefore, when and where possible, it is recommended that such procedures be performed in areas out of the public view.

Penetrating Captive Bolt Gun

When properly used, the penetrating captive bolt gun produces immediate brain tissue destruction that kills the animal. Captive bolts are powered by gunpowder, thus the selection of the cartridge strength should be appropriate for the size of the animal (adult vs. foal) and this varies among manufacturers. The penetrating captive bolt gun should be placed very firmly against the skull at the same location (see diagram, right) previously described for gunshot. Horses must be adequately restrained to ensure proper placement of the captive bolt.

Barbiturate Overdose

When properly administered by the intravenous route, barbiturate overdose (sodium pentobarbital) depresses the central nervous system, causing deep anesthesia progressing to respiratory and cardiac arrest. However, barbiturates can cause sudden or violent falls if administered too slowly or in insufficient quantities. Thus, the use of sedatives (e.g., xylazine or detomidine) prior to the barbiturate overdose can minimize violent thrashing and provide a more controlled recumbency process, which is less objectionable for the owner and other public viewers. Induction of unconsciousness results in minimal pain associated with the needle puncture. While barbiturate overdose is less disturbing to observers (more aesthetically acceptable), it is also more expensive than other options.

It is illegal for a non-veterinarian to possess injectable euthanasia products. After barbiturate overdose, the carcass of the horse will be unfit for human or animal consumption. Keep in mind that house pets and wildlife that ingest portions of the barbiturate-injected carcass can be poisoned.

Confirmation of Death

Confirmation of death is essential. Immediately following the euthanasia method, a standing animal should collapse and may experience a period of muscle contraction (usually no longer than 20 seconds). This will be followed by a period of relaxation and some poorly coordinated kicking or paddling movements. The pupils of the eyes should be totally dilated. The horse must be checked within 5 minutes to confirm death. Death may be confirmed by the absence of breathing, a heartbeat, and a corneal reflex (a blink). To check a corneal reflex (blinking response), touch the animal's cornea (surface of the eye); there should be no response to the touch if the animal is deceased. The presence of any eye movement or blinking at this time is evidence of sustained or recovering brain activity and the individual should repeat the same or an alternative euthanasia procedure.

The following information should be considered when choosing the appropriate method of euthanasia:

Human Safety
The method should not put anyone at unnecessary risk. Considerations include ricochet of a bullet and/or the unpredictability of a falling or thrashing animal.

Horse Welfare
All methods of euthanasia should produce a quick and painless death. However, certain environments or animal behaviors may prevent the use of a specific method.

Restraint
Each method requires a differing amount of restraint. For example, administration of barbiturate or use of a captive bolt gun requires physical contact with the animal, whereas a firearm does not.

Practicality
The euthanasia method selected must be practical in the emergency situation that currently exists. For example, the necessary equipment must be readily available, and one must realize that barbiturates are only available to licensed veterinarians.

Skill
All methods require some degree of skill or training to administer correctly. Horse owners in remote locations, auction market employees, horse transporters, and law enforcement personnel should be aware of, and appropriately trained in, at least one em ergency euthanasia method.

Cost
Some methods require a larger initial investment (e.g., firearms and penetrating captive bolt gun) but are relatively inexpensive to use thereafter.

Aesthetics
Some methods of euthanasia "appear" less objectionable to the untrained eye. Most methods will result in some exaggerated muscular activity (e.g., leg movements and twitching) even when the animal is not experiencing any pain or distress.

Summary of Equine Euthanasia Methods