Stillborn/dead foal. Could you, would you............

[Enfys]

...........butcher it and feed it to your dogs? Or does the fact that it is a horse put you off the idea?

I was talking to a farmer/horse breeder this morning and asked what he did with his dead foals and he said that his father used to do just that years ago for his hounds. It just got me thinking.

I have to say that I would have no qualms about butchering a calf or lamb for that purpose but would have second thoughts about a foal, it would feel as if I was cutting a member of the family. Hypocritical?

 

[oofadoofa]

Yeah, I know what you mean. Don't think I could either. It seems different somehow doesn't it.

 

[1275gta]

I'd quite happily get the local hunt to pick it up and use.

 

[crazyponys]

no id have to bury it im afraid
but fully understand those who would use it for their dogs.

 

[MagicMelon]

No way could I, but then I couldnt kill any animal. I dont even like handling meat when cooking

If any of my horses die, they are all buried.

 

[the watcher]

I would certainly be happy for the hunt to take it - it would go the same way

 

[silversox]

About 5 years ago my two year old filly had an accident with a field-gate bolt (which could have been prevented if someone had been quick-witted enough)and the vet had to put her down. I stopped him from using the lethal injection and had her shot instead. Then our local kennels came and picked her up and ............. the next day brought her back, nicely bagged, for me to feed to the hound puppies which I was walking for them. The flesh looked just like any other, with all skin and hair removed.

I wasn't upset that I was feeding her to the hounds, after all they would have had her at the kennels if they had been there, it was WHY I had to have her shot in the first place that upset me the most.

 

[jewel]

i would be for than happy for the local hunt to collect and use it

 

[poiuytrewq]

OMG- maybe as ita a foal its not so bad?? ( i mean because your not already attached) When i lost my horse i was devastated and the most awful thing was going home that night knowing that the next morning he would prob have to go to the hunt and be eaten- luckily a local landowner who i will always be massivly grateful to came and offered me a place to bury him.

 

[joshesmum]

My horse is one of the family and i couldnt even begin to think of feeding him to the hounds, its almost as bad as having my mum chopped up and served for sunday lunch.

 

[vicm2509]

Absolutly no way could I do that, but then I could not do that to any animal. I cant even go into the butchers, I have to buy pre packed meat and get someone else to cook it

 

[RuthP]

No way could i do that to either of mine.
I completely 'get' the feeding to the hounds but as joshesmum said my horses are my family and i could not have the cut up and fed to hounds. i want to remember them as they were not in a gruesome way- i would also have to have the injection for mine - i could not cope seeing them shot (unless they were in pain and needed killling immediately) in my opinion i owe it to my horses and myself to give them the most peaceful, dignified death possible.