PTS by the hunt

[J&C]

Please excuse my ignorance but luckily I have only had to PTS once and my vet did it.

When people say they get the hunt when their horses needs PTS, what exactly does this entail? What method does the hunt use and what do they do with the body afterwards?

 

[Echo Bravo]

They will come out and pts your horse at home or you can take it to them, they will charge you, could be from £100 or more, they shot them which is quick and they never know what happened.

 

[L&M]

Generally the hunt will come out and shoot the horse and remove the body. Depending on whether the horse has had any medication, the body will either be used as hound flesh or incinerated. If the horse is fit to travel you can also deliver to the kennels and let them do the job there.

This also depends on the hunt as not all provide a fallen stock service anymore. Our closest hunt that offers this service charge £50 if you take the horse there, or £150 if they have to pick up.

There is often a debate on here re injection vs shooting - having seen 3 horses put down by the gun, I would always choose that method for mine as is so quick and painless, but each to their own.

 

[PorkChop]

They usually come to you to put your horse to sleep. They will shoot the horse, and can take away the body if you want them to. It cost me £80 last time, about 6 years ago. They are always quiet and professional.

 

[morrismob]

As all the replies above, horse is shot and removed by the hunt. I have done this twice and also twice by injection. The hunt is quicker and imo the horse knows nothing. My huntsman is fantastic, quiet, respectful and horse friendly. Only last week I went through this I was there to the end but averted my gaze as its more violent to see than the injection method but I promise you the horse feels nothing I just wanted to remember him as I last saw him. I watched the first one and it left a visual impression on me but the horse knew nothing. Hope that makes sense. Ring the hunt they are very kind and will talk you through everything in a no nonsense but thoughtful way.

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

I've had one horse PTS by lethal injection (I was there at the time, it was very peaceful) and then the body was later removed for incineration.

Also I had my first pony PTS by the hunt, by shooting, and the carcase removed to feed to hounds. I wasn't there for this.

I would choose either method again....... depending on the circumstances I guess. A good few years ago almost 100% of large animal/equine vets carried a firearms licence and would always have a humane killer (captive bolt) in the car with them "just in case", IMO its absolutely shameful that this is no longer the case, especially in country areas where it was always reassuring to know that IF something awful happened with either an equine or other large animal, the situation could always be dealt with humanely.

But sorry, I digress.

OP, I don't know, but would guess that you're having to face this decision soon??? Your post didn't say. Personally, if you're worried or unsure, I'd give the hunt a ring (as someone else has suggested) and have a chat about it. Remember that they are professionals and are doing this all the time. IF you do decide to have them to PTS a horse, they will undoubtedly suggest that (when the deed has been done) that you are not there for when the carcass is taken away. This is never pleasant and whether you have a vet to PTS, a licensed slaughterman, OR the hunt, they will usually gently suggest that you are NOT around for this part of the proceedings.

 

[SatansLittleHelper]

We have had the hunt out a couple of times. The guy is lovely and incredibly respectful. He made an awful time so much easier.
He simply shot and removed the horses with very little fuss xx

 

[Arniebear]

My lad went by the hunt back in july, he met me down the field took the horse off me did the deed (i stayed) and then gave me the headcollar and i left him to it. I had a friend up at the yard who dealt with all of the money and paperwork side of things. It was quick and painless for him but still the worst day of my life. Hugs to you its a tough decision to make x

 

[honetpot]

I had this done a couple of weeks ago, its all very civilised and over and done with quickly, less than ten minutes from them getting out of the truck till it being over. It was done in the field which on the side of a footpath so I chose a spot that is shielded by the field shelter but its all done so quickly that it unlikely anyone would see. £130 and they dispose of the body. Injection costs depending on the vet and the fallen stock person is £400 -500.
If there is not a hunt near enough try,
http://www.nfsco.co.uk/