Emergency Humane Destruction

Due to catastrophic accidents and severe untreatable disease or illness, horses may need to be euthanased as a form of emergency treatment. Humane destruction needs to be performed using a recognised and acceptable method by a competent person as efficiently as possible. Brain activity needs to be stopped rapidly and painlessly with death resulting within a short time thereafter.

Methods available

• Shooting bullet or captive bolt with or without sedation;
• Chemical euthanasia – barbiturates
• Exsanguination aortic severance.

Before deciding which method to use, the following factors must be considered:

1. The horse’s behaviour;
2. Location;
3. Carcase disposal;
4. Competence and skill in handling a firearm;
5. Cost;
6. Signed owner consent obtained;
7. Euthanasia based on welfare grounds.

Euthanasia is a demanding and dangerous task therefore whichever method is selected ensure that no person (onlooker, owner or operator) or any other animal is at risk.

Important notes:

• Gunshot

The proper location of projectile penetration is important for the destruction of the brain. The optimal site for penetration of the skull is 1cm above the intersection of a diagonal line from the base of the ear to the inside corner of the opposite eye. The firearm should be aimed directly down the neck, perpendicular to the front of the skull. The gun barrel should not rest on the skull.

The use of hollow-point or soft nose bullets will increase brain destruction and reduce the chance of ricochet.

Captive Bolt may be a highly effective method when used by a skilled person, however as pithing or exsanguination is compulsory after the shot, it is difficult to use this method in a public place. SPCA inspectors are trained in the use of captive bolts.

• Barbiturate Overdose

Barbiturates can cause sudden or violent falls if administered too slowly or in insufficient quantities. It is advisable to sedate the horse prior to the administration of a high dose barbiturate.

The carcass of the horse will be unfit for human or animal consumption and will need to be buried or incinerated. Costs must be borne in mind when electing this method.

• Exsanguination

Due to the severe anxiety associated with the hypoxia caused by exsanguination, prior heavy sedation or even anaesthetic is recommended. This can be quite a difficult and dangerous procedure.

Confirmation of Death

Death is confirmed when all reflex activity and spontaneous cardiac and respiratory function has stopped. Some muscle activity may still be noted for up to 15 minutes after death is confirmed. ALWAYS confirm death BEFORE leaving the horse.

Unacceptable Methods of Equine Euthanasia

Ethical and humane standards of euthanasia DO NOT permit the following methods of euthanasia for horses:

• Manually applied blunt trauma to the head.
• Injection of various agents such as Epsom salts or electrolytes (KCl) in an unanaesthetised horse.
• Air embolism – large amounts of air injected into the circulatory system.

Mortality Insurance

• If a horse is insured for mortality, the following is recommended:
• Notify the insurance company in advance where possible.
• In emergency situations, should the injury be so severe or the nature of the illness or disease such that the horse is in excessive pain, the condition is incurable and there is no alternative treatment option, the horse may be euthanased.
• Ensure that you as the euthanasing vet make detailed notes and take photographs. A witness can be asked to sign a detailed written account of the situation, explaining the reasons for the euthanasia. Always confirm if a post mortem examination is required prior to carcase disposal.
• The horse’s welfare is to be considered at all times.