Euthanasia
Article
Common Reasons for Death in Older Horses Examined
Researchers examined the top reasons for death and euthanasia in older horses.
Photo by Rick Capone
Article
Composting as Carcass Disposal Option for Horse Owners
Composting allows owners to dispose of their animals and naturally improve the soil conditions on properties.
Photo by Photos.com
Article
BHS Launches "Friend at the End" Initiative
January 25, 2013
Welfare officers have attended training to help them support owners through and following a horse's death.... Read More
Article
The Horse: Top 10 Blog Posts of 2012
December 31, 2012
We've taken a few minutes to tally our most popular blog posts of 2012. Did your favorites make the list?... Read More
Article
Composting as Carcass Disposal Option for Horse Owners
November 10, 2012
Composting allows owners to dispose of their animals and naturally improve the soil conditions on properties.... Read More
Article
Pfizer Donates $25,000 to AAEP Foundation Memorial Program
November 23, 2011
Pfizer will continue the Matching Challenge with another $25,000 pledge to match donations in 2012.... Read More
Article
12 Australian Horses Dead of Unknown Cause
October 08, 2011
Seven horses died and five were euthanized, but Australian officals say the cause of death is unknown so far.... Read More
Article
AAEP Names Thomas Hoyme, DVM, August Good Works Honoree
September 21, 2011
Hoyme provides low-cost health services and helps make "difficult decisions" for True Innocents Equine Rescue.... Read More
Article
Common Reasons for Death in Older Horses Examined
July 31, 2011
Researchers examined the top reasons for death and euthanasia in older horses.... Read More
Audio
"Unwanted" Horses
June 28, 2011
The United States has a growing problem with "unwanted" horses. This live chat event discussed many solutions.... Read More
Article
AAEP Foundation and Pfizer Announce Equine Memorial Program Matching Challenge
December 13, 2010
Pfizer Animal Health has pledged to match up to $25,000 to donate to the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Foundation's Equine Memorial Program in 2011. Pfizer Animal Health's matching challenge that urges practitioners to ... Read More
Article
On Farm Mortality: Consider Composting
August 05, 2010
Many horse owners will eventually face tough decisions regarding animal mortality and disposal. The Unwanted Horse Coalition receives many calls from concerned owners regarding the legalities and options for disposing of horse carcasses. The pr... Read More
Article
Unwanted Horse Coalition Takes the Next Step
June 21, 2010
The Unwanted Horse Coalition, now in its fifth year, adopted a multifaceted strategic plan June 21 designed to continue advocacy and education programs but move the organization to the next level. Coalition members met in Washington,... Read More
Article
Feeding the Starved Horse
June 01, 2010
When dealing with a starved horse, how should you feed him? How much, how often, and what type of feed will bring the horse back to good health without causing more problems? The starved horse is in a most delicate health predicament... Read More
Article
Taming the Beast: A Review of Equine Neurologic Disease
June 01, 2010
To take the dizzy factor out of understanding neurologic disease in horses, I.G. Joe Mayhew, BVSc, FRCVS, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, ECVN, has dedicated much of his career to helping practitioners and owners understand equine neurology.... Read More
Article
Elmer Bandit Necropsy Performed at Kansas State
February 19, 2010
"We are looking for what was right with Elmer, not what was wrong," said Lucy Hirsch, DVM, friend of Elmer Bandit, as she accompanied owner Mary Anna Wood on Elmer's final journey, which was, fittingly, to a veterinary teaching ho... Read More
Article
Man Accused of Hanging Horse to Plead Not Guilty
January 20, 2010
A man accused of starving and then hanging a 27-year-old Appaloosa plans to plead not guilty at his next court appearance Jan. 25, at which time a trial date will also be set. David Whiffin of Vancouver Island faces charges of killin... Read More
Article
Composting: A Viable Alternative for Mortality Disposal
December 19, 2009
Proper livestock stewardship does not cease when an animal dies. Despite sound management, all horse producers will experience losses due to weather, disease, or other natural causes. Options for carcass disposal are dwindling due to enhanced r... Read More
Article
Under the Blue Tarps
December 01, 2009
Guest editorial commentary on euthanasia of unwanted horses by veterinarian Christy Corp-Minamiji.... Read More
Article
Remembering Deceased Horses; Equine Guelph Launches Memorial Feature
October 26, 2009
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 <A href="http://www.equineguelph.ca/donations/hoofprints.php"... Read More
Article
Thoroughbred Sire Gone West Euthanized Due to Colic Complications
September 08, 2009
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... Read More
Article
HSUS Releases List of Humane Options for Disposal of Horse Remains
August 04, 2009
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... Read More
Article
Aged Horse Health Screenings Recommended, ACVIM 2009
July 24, 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... Read More
Article
Unwanted Horse Survey Results Released
July 09, 2009
The results of a survey on perceptions of factors surrounding the unwanted horse issue are now available from the Unwanted Horse... Read More
Article
U.K. to Investigate Environmental Impact of Equine Carcass Disposal
June 18, 2009
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 (<A... Read More
Article
Euthanasia Drug Found in Carcass Compost
June 05, 2009
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... Read More
Article
Colorado Vets Polled on Unwanted Horse, Euthanasia Issues
May 13, 2009
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... Read More
Related Topics
Related Multimedia & Downloads
Farm Call: Your Questions Answered
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?
Disposal of Euthanized Animals
Q. Q: I work at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Md., with the Marine Animal Rescue Program. Occasionally a large marine mammal requires euthanasia. Are there risks to other animals that may eat the carcass of a euthanized horse or other animal?
