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Skip Navigation LinksAll Horse Topics > Basic Health Care > Euthanasia


Articles ( * = TheHorse.com members only )Date Posted
Remembering Deceased Horses; Equine Guelph Launches Memorial Feature
A new memorial program that celebrates the lives of horses has been launched through Equine Guelph. Hoofprints honors the memory of deceased horses through stories and pictures on Equine Guelph's Web site. "As horse owners ourselves, we at Equine Guelph understand what it's like to suffer the loss of a beloved equine friend," said Gayle Ecker, ... Read full story
 10/26/2009
Thoroughbred Sire Gone West Euthanized Due to Colic Complications  *
Gone West, who carved out a successful branch of the Mr. Prospector sire line all his own as the sire of 98 stakes winners, was euthanized the night of Sept. 7 because of complications following colic surgery. The 25-year-old stallion, who was pensioned after this year's breeding season because of declining fertility, had been taken two days earlier ... Read full story
 9/8/2009
HSUS Releases List of Humane Options for Disposal of Horse Remains  *
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) released a national list of humane resources for horse owners making end-of-life arrangements for their equine companions. "Providing a humane, dignified death for your horse is simply responsible horse ownership," said Keith Dane, the HSUS director of equine protection. "No one likes to think about the ... Read full story
 8/4/2009
Aged Horse Health Screenings Recommended, ACVIM 2009  *
Lameness, weight loss, colic, and equine Cushing's syndrome are the four top reasons for euthanizing an older horse, said Catherine McGowan, BVSc, PhD, RCVS, European specialist in equine internal medicine, who presented research by Thomas McGowan, BSc, DVM, PhD, at the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Forum, held June 3-6 in Montréal, ... Read full story
 7/24/2009
Unwanted Horse Survey Results Released  *
The results of a survey on perceptions of factors surrounding the unwanted horse issue are now available from the Unwanted Horse Coalition. The study assessed the causes and magnitude of the unwanted horse population in the United States. It was conducted by an independent market research company from November 2008 to January 2009. More than 23,000 ... Read full story
 7/9/2009
U.K. to Investigate Environmental Impact of Equine Carcass Disposal   *
As with all large animals, disposal of horse carcasses in an environmentally safe manner requires planning and resources. In June 2008 the USDA held a national forum to discuss the issue of the unwanted horse (read more). Unwanted horses might be sick, injured, old, unmanageable or dangerous. They might be horses the owner is no longer economically ... Read full story
 6/18/2009
Euthanasia Drug Found in Carcass Compost   *
Composting is one option for disposing of a horse carcass after euthanasia. Researchers at West Texas A&M recently conducted a study to determine if residues of sodium pentobarbital might remain in compost as a potential environmental hazard. They presented their preliminary results at the 2009 Equine Science Society Meeting, held May 29-31 in ... Read full story
 6/5/2009
Colorado Vets Polled on Unwanted Horse, Euthanasia Issues   *
Although anecdotes suggest the number of unwanted horses is growing, there is very little data that measures the magnitude of the problem or how extensively the various options to address the issue are being implemented. To get a better handle on this situation, Jill Montgomery of JRAM Enterprises, an equine industry consulting firm, and Tom Lenz, ... Read full story
 5/13/2009
'Mad Cow' Regulation Affects Equine, Rendering Industries   *
The equine and rendering industries are anticipating a pinch from a new Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation intended to prevent the proliferation of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE, or "mad cow disease"). The regulation on the 1997 legislation prohibits the use of most mammalian proteins in feed for ruminant (cud-chewing) animals. ... Read full story
 3/30/2009
Massachusetts Euthanasia Case: Of Pleas and Precedents   *
A defendant’s admission of sufficient facts to warrant a finding of guilt on a criminal charge, such as one made by Elliot S. Saffran, a Massachusetts horse owner charged with animal cruelty, sounds a lot like a guilty plea. Unlike a guilty plea, however, Saffran's admission might result in no criminal conviction on the charges. Similar to diversion ... Read full story
 2/8/2009
Horse Owner Given Probation in Massachusetts Euthanasia Case   *
A Milford, Mass., horse owner who refused to euthanize his ailing mare despite the recommendations of veterinarians will be under probation for two years. Judge Thomas F. Sullivan Jr. continued the case for the duration of the probationary period after horse owner Elliot S. Saffran admitted the prosecution presented sufficient facts for a guilty finding. ... Read full story
 2/6/2009
California Plan Models Equine Rescues after Animal Shelters   *
Faculty members at the University of California, Davis, are working on a plan to reduce the number of unwanted horses by modeling equine rescues after small animal shelters. Under a plan developed by the International Animal Welfare Training Institute (IAWTI), a division of the university's School of Veterinary Medicine, a network of "horse-assessment" ... Read full story
 1/19/2009
Judge Excludes Testimony in Euthanasia Case   *
A Worcester County, Mass., District Court judge granted one request to eliminate testimony and postponed ruling on another in the case against Elliot Saffran, the Milford man charged last year with animal cruelty for refusing to euthanize his ailing 29-year-old mare, Quincy. The case goes to jury trial on Feb. 5. During a Jan. 8 pre-trial hearing, ... Read full story
 1/12/2009
Animal Carcass Disposal: Know Your Options   *
While carcass disposal is not a pleasant topic, it is a subject of significant economic and environmental concern. What are the options for carcass disposal? In many instances the cause of death needs to be determined, so the body is transported to a diagnostic laboratory for a necropsy examination. Alternatively, the animal may be necropsied on ... Read full story
 1/11/2009
Massachusetts Euthanasia Case to Trial in February   *
A long-standing Massachusetts animal cruelty case drew closer to its resolution on Thursday when Worcester Central District Judge Thomas Sullivan slated the jury trial of Elliot Saffran for Feb. 5. Saffran, of Milford, Mass., is accused of animal cruelty for refusing to euthanize his aged and ailing mare, for Feb. 5. Saffran was charged with animal ... Read full story
 12/5/2008
Horse Owners Utilize Low-Cost Euthanasia Service; Castration Clinics Also Planned   *
How would Northern California horse owners respond to a low-cost euthanasia clinic? That was a question Tawnee Preisner, operator of NorCal Equine Rescue in Oroville, Calif., asked herself earlier this year when she offered to organize $25 professional euthanasia and carcass removal services for horse owners who could no longer care for their animals. ... Read full story
 11/20/2008
Government's Wild Horse Euthanasia Advice Not Unexpected  *
Wild Horse advocate Karen Sussman said she wasn't surprised that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) recommended euthanasia as an option of last resort for the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) wild horse and burro management problems. But she doubts the BLM will be able to exercise it without a fight. "U.S. citizens will rise up against ... Read full story
 11/12/2008
Readers Weigh in on Low-Cost Euthanasia Clinics   *
More than 2,370 readers of TheHorse.com responded to a poll asking, "Do you think low-cost equine euthanasia clinics should be widely available?" Results were as follows: Yes: 89.08% (2,112) No: 5.69% (135) I don't know: 5.23% (124) Read more about a planned low-cost euthanasia clinic. Results of weekly polls from TheHorse.com ... Read full story
 10/30/2008
Reward Offered for Information on Shot, Abandoned Horse  *
An unidentified resident of Deschutes County, Ore., is offering a $1,000 reward for information about the shooting and abandonment of Trooper, a 6-year-old Arabian gelding. Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer Fred Perl and a volunteer group of local horse owners brought Trooper out of the Deschutes National Forest near Sisters, Ore., on Oct. 17. ... Read full story
 10/23/2008
Horse Rescue Offers Low-Cost Euthanasia Clinic  *
NorCal Equine Rescue in Oroville, Calif., will offer a low-cost euthanasia clinic on Dec. 17 for owners who, due to economic or other reasons, are unable to care for their horses. Owners will be charged $25 for the euthanasia service, which will be performed by veterinarians. Clinic participation requires owners to sign a release allowing the rescue ... Read full story
 10/15/2008
Jury Trial for Massachusetts Euthanasia Case   *
Elliot Saffran, the Milford, Mass., man accused of animal cruelty for refusing to euthanize his mare, appeared in Uxbridge District Court on Oct. 14 and requested that his case be transferred to another court for trial before a jury. "He will appear in Worcester Central District Court on Dec. 4 when a judge will set a trial date," said Tim Connolly, ... Read full story
 10/14/2008
John Henry Memorial Statue Unveiled   *
A year after the death of racehorse John Henry, fans now have a lasting monument and a dedicated place to remember their champion. A bronze statue by artist Shelley Hunter has taken its place at John's gravesite, just outside the Kentucky Horse Park's Hall of Champions paddock that John called home for 22 of his 32 years. Just as they did at John's ... Read full story
 10/9/2008
Carcass Composting How-To Event Offered   *
For years, large animal carcass disposal has been a problem. Not only are options to dispose of a large carcass limited, they can also be costly. The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service is hosting a Field Day on large animal carcass composting Oct.14 at the Haskell County Fair Barn in Stigler. Research into this safe, economical alternative for ... Read full story
 10/7/2008
Wild Horse Euthanasia Decision Postponed by BLM   *
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) isn't likely to make a decision regarding the use of euthanasia in wild horse herd management until the end of the year, a spokesman said. The euthanasia option decision was originally expected to come shortly after the fall meeting of the Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Council. Spokesman Tom Gorey said the agency ... Read full story
 8/23/2008
Attorney Seeks Dismissal, Evidence Suppression in 'Quincy' Euthanasia Case  *
The attorney representing Elliott Saffran, the Massachusetts man accused of animal cruelty for refusing to euthanize Quincy, his aged, infirm horse, has filed motions to either dismiss the case against Saffran or suppress evidence pertinent to it. According to Tim Connolly, spokesman for the Worcester County, Massachusetts District Attorney's Office, ... Read full story
 8/14/2008
Cruelty Stats Bill Draws Mixed Reaction  *
A measure aimed at collecting and making animal cruelty crime data public is drawing praise from animal welfare advocates as a means to raise awareness of animal cruelty crime. "For one thing, it would legitimize the data, so law enforcement wouldn't have to take a rescue's word for it when it comes to the volume of crimes," said Sara Isaacson, president ... Read full story
 8/11/2008
Horse at Center of Controversial Abuse Case Dies  *
Quincy, the aged mare at the center of a Massachusetts cruelty case, died Aug. 10, just two days before her owner is to appear in a Massachusetts court to face animal cruelty charges. "She's gone, but we want the case against her owner to go forward," said Jane Belleville, owner of a barn where Quincy was formerly boarded. Massachusetts animal ... Read full story
 8/11/2008
Wild Horses: Euthanasia, Changes to Adoption Policy Considered   *
Bonnie Matton, president of the Wild Horse Preservation League, wasn't happy when the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced that it might consider euthanasia as a means to manage wild horse herds, but she wasn't surprised, either. "They're between a rock and a hard place," said Matton, whose Dayton, Nev. nonprofit group advocates on behalf ... Read full story
 7/3/2008
Vet Calls Theodore O'Connor Euthanasia 'The Right Thing to Do'  *
"Karen and David (O'Connor) would have done anything to let this little guy have a shot," said Kent Allen, DVM, one of the three veterinarians who attended Theodore O'Connor following the gelding's catastrophic injury this morning and a long-time friend and veterinarian for Team O'Connor. "The right thing to do was euthanize him." Allen has spent ... Read full story
 5/28/2008
Eight Belles' Necropsy Report Released  *
Eight Belles, the filly who suffered a catastrophic injury after finishing second in the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs May 3, had compound fractures of both front legs at the fetlock joints, a necropsy report released May 15 concluded. The necropsy, ordered by the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority, found no pre-existing bone abnormalities, said ... Read full story
 5/15/2008
Massachusetts Horse Cruelty Case Continued Again   *
While her owner ponders his legal options, Quincy, the lame 29-year-old mare at the center of a controversial animal cruelty case, remains in the care of an unnamed Massachusetts equine clinic. "She's as well as can be expected," said Richard LeBlond, deputy chief of law enforcement with the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to ... Read full story
 5/7/2008
Kentucky Derby Filly Eight Belles 'Went Out in Glory'  *
A tearful Larry Jones said Eight Belles, who suffered a catastrophic injury in the gallop-out after finishing second in the Run for the Roses, said there would be no second-guessing in what he called an "unfortunate" outcome that couldn't be foreseen. Eight Belles, owned by Rick Porter, ran a spectacular race in the May 3 Kentucky Derby at Churchill ... Read full story
 5/4/2008
Decision to Euthanize Horse Could Bring End to Controversial Case  *
A controversial Massachusetts horse cruelty case might be resolved in court April 8 if the horse's owner agrees to euthanize the mare in question. According to Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' (MSPCA) Deputy Chief Law Enforcement Officer Richard LeBlond, felony animal cruelty charges against horse owner Elliot Saffran, ... Read full story
 4/7/2008
Older Horses Part 6: The Final Decision  *
Sometimes it's up to the owner to decide when a horse dies As a veterinarian, I have spent a good bit of time involved with the care of sick animals, and many times have also attended their deaths. Over the years, it is something I have thought a lot about. Being responsible for ushering an animal into death is overwhelming at times. I understand ... Read full story
 12/1/2007
Michigan OKs Composting Horse Carcasses  *
Dairy farmer Ken Nobis reaches into a tall mound of what looks like topsoil and grabs a clump, which he looks over and quickly sniffs before crumbling it. The 10-foot-high, 50-foot-long heap that he's examining is a compost pile. Its humus is dark, rich and virtually odor-free--which is surprising, given that much of it consists of cow manure and ... Read full story
 11/16/2007
Readers Respond: Remembering Lost Horses Poll  *
Nearly 1,000 readers of TheHorse.com responded to a poll asking, "How do you remember a beloved equine you've lost?" Results were as follows: Compile a scrapbook: 41.96% (412) Other: 36.15% (355) Install a memorial bench or marker: 30.45% (299) Plant a tree: 27.09% (266) Make a donation to a charitable group in his/her memory: ... Read full story
 10/16/2007
Derby Winner Barbaro Euthanatized: "Difficult For Him to go on Without Pain"  *
Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro was euthanatized Monday (Jan. 29) after complications from his injury at the Preakness last May. "We just reached a point where it was going to be difficult for him to go on without pain," co-owner Roy Jackson said. "It was the right decision, it was the right thing to do. We said all along if there was a situation where ... Read full story
 1/29/2007
Remembering Barbaro   *
On the morning of Jan. 29, Dean W. Richardson, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, head of surgery at The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine's New Bolton Center, made the somber announcement most everyone had been prepared to hear more than eight months earlier. Barbaro had been euthanatized. The wave of grief that was anticipated back then now ... Read full story
 1/29/2007
Euthanasia Assistance
Q: Some veterinarians and shelters will take care of your pet for free if you have a low income or are out of work. Can people with no money get a veterinarian to euthanize their horse for free? Carrie, via e-mail A: First, does one of the following statements, developed by the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), ... Read full story
 11/1/2006
The Hardest Decision  *
Several recent occurrences have brought to mind the role of humans as stewards of our animals. These stories don't all have to do with horses, but how many horse owners do you know who don't have dogs, cats, or other critters running around the farm? The first incident involved a baby goat (Missy), one of a pair of twins rejected by a young doe (mama ... Read full story
 4/1/2006
Horse Owner Wins Laminitis Lawsuit  *
Jane McGarel-Groves was awarded 350,000 GBP (about $608,280 US) in damages after suing two veterinarians that treated her 14-year-old dressage horse Annastasia in 2001 with corticosteroid joint injections. The injections inadvertently caused laminitis, according to a report on the BBC web site, and the horse was euthanatized. French equestrian team ... Read full story
 7/28/2005
AAEP Convention Wrap-Up 2004: The Unwanted Horse   *
The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) made the welfare of unwanted horses in the United States a priority for the foreseeable future, according to AAEP leaders during the annual convention. While the AAEP's stand against the national bill that bans slaughter of horses has been seen as a negative by many horse owners, the AAEP is ... Read full story
 3/3/2005
After Goodbye   *
As horse owners, we care deeply about our animals. When one of our beloved horses dies, we lose a trusted friend. For many of us, the experience is emotionally devastating. Yet, just when we are at our most pronounced stage of grief, we are suddenly faced with a difficult but inevitable question: What do we do with the horse's body? Although mortality ... Read full story
 7/1/2004
Captive Bolt Controversy   *
No matter your position on equine slaughter, there is a question in the minds of horse owners of whether a penetrating captive bolt is a "humane" form of euthanasia for horses. Many individuals and groups are dismissing captive bolt as inhumane, even if they have not researched the method, have not discussed it with someone knowledgeable in equine ... Read full story
 4/1/2004
Captive Bolt: Comments From The Industry   *
One item in the debate on equine slaughter is the use of captive bolt for euthanasia. This is the same method used on other livestock killed during slaughter or during a disease outbreak (such as foot and mouth disease on farms in England). The Horse sent out a small survey to veterinarians and researchers around the world on the question: Is captive ... Read full story
 4/1/2004
Time to Say Goodbye  *
There comes a time in nearly all horse owners' lives when the last, best thing they can do for their horses is to release them from the agony of an untreatable condition or terminal illness via euthanasia. In some situations, the decision to euthanize is clear--a painful, devastating accident from which there is no recovery; an acute, fatal disease ... Read full story
 2/1/2003
Disposal of Euthanized Animals
I work at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Md., with the Marine Animal Rescue Program. Occasionally a large marine mammal requires euthanasia. I was wondering if you knew the half-life of some of the usual drugs. There is concern (and debate) that if we euthanize a marine mammal on a beach, that other animals will eat the carcass and die from the ... Read full story
 10/1/2001
Unpredictable Fear  *
I have inherited a mare that no one wants because every once in a while she spooks and bolts, big time, without warning. No one has ever been able to figure out for sure what sets her off. But she can go from normal one second to a serious panic the next. She spooks and takes off like she was shocked or stung by a bee. It can happen any time, even ... Read full story
 8/1/2001
A Paradigm For Equine Euthanasia  *
A horse owner develops a relationship with his or her horse that is marked by mutual trust, respect, and affection, much as would be encountered in a relationship between two people who spend several hours every day together doing something enjoyable for both. Overall, the levels of attachment shown by horse owners seem to be increasing. It is highly ... Read full story
 2/1/2001
WSU Establishes Hotline For Grieving Pet Owners   *
In January, Washington State University's College of Veterinary Medicine began operating a Pet Loss Support Hotline to support grieving animal owners. Specially trained WSU veterinary student volunteers are staffing the hotline, which is being funded by grants. The hotline is designed to help pet owners work through difficult decisions in treating ... Read full story
 3/26/1999
Retiring Old Faithful  *
Your longtime equine friend has always been there for you. He patiently taught you what you needed to know, and carried you through the ribbons. But times have changed. You have to move on and leave Old Faithful behind. What options do you have for retiring your horse? ANNE M. EBERHARDT Therapeutic riding programs always are looking for ... Read full story
 10/1/1998
Euthanasia for Horses  *
After three days of colic, the horse's pain finally is subdued by various drugs and the anesthetic gas. The ventilator now is breathing for the horse, which has been placed on his back and a large incision made in his abdomen to allow for discovery of the problem-approximately 20 feet of strangulated and dead small intestine. The horse is extremely ... Read full story
 10/1/1998
Necropsy: Searching for Answers   *
Whether your horse is a valued friend or a valued asset, the loss can be tough when he dies. But when your veterinarian presses you to get your horse necropsied, the thought of your horse's body being laid out, examined, cut up, and probed seems almost like a violation, prolonging the pain. What's the point? There are several circumstances for which ... Read full story
 8/21/1998




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