The best way to have a horse put to sleep?

gumpatrump

gumpatrump

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Was just wondering what the views were on the best way to have a horse put down? When that difficult decision has to be made, would you rather have your horse put down by injection or by being shot ( sorry for being blunt, couldn't think of another way to put it ). I feel the injection is a nicer way to let them go but have heard some horror stories about it going wrong! Your views would be much appreciated!
 
My lad will go by lethal injection and be cremated when the time comes,dont want to think about the shooting method,not for me
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...however depends on the circumstances...ie:GOD forbid....but if any horse i owned was in a serious accident and it was going to take a vet an hr to get there or whoever it is shoots them 5 mins,then i would shoot for the horses sake
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would still cremate though!!
 
Shooting without a doubt, for preference by my local hunt staff who are experienced, caring and professional. Far less traumatic for horse than if an injection should go wrong, which happens far too many times. Well, TBH, you always hear about the ones that go wrong when many must go perfectly, but I would always go for shooting even if injections were 100% guaranteed.
 
My friend had to have her pony put to sleep 3 weeks ago now she had the injection then burried the pony in her field, she said she wanted the injection, as it was a nicer memory for her to have of her last moments of her pony.
 
[quote I couldnt let the hunt do it!

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Why on earth not? They will have had far more experience shooting horses and livestock than any vet.
Who do you think did most of the shooting, along with professional knackermen at foot and mouth time? Vets just don't get the experience unless they're such lousy vets they keep on losing patients!
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Hope your friend had official permission to bury her horse in the field. She could get into trouble otherwise, not something you want after something so awful.

I had mine shot, and this would always be my preferred method.
 
Have seen both and would go with shooting every time.
The injection was not in the least eventful, but the horses owner was absolutely paranoid the horse was not "properly" dead until the poor thing started to go stiff (despite being told by the vet he had gone)
once shot, there's no question at all, far better for all concerned.
 
Its only as I know the vet who did it! Nothing against the Hunt they are very good, but my boy was a bit sensitive and I worry that he would have got excited then people can miss if the horse is being stupid!!!!

Everyone has the right to make that decision for there own horse there is no right or wrong answer
 
I've just spent 6 months trying to make this decision but thanks to HHO members I've been able to make up my mind, and my choice is the bullet. I only want what is best for my horse and imho this is shooting. Instant: she will be dead before she hits the ground. I don't want to take the risk of anything going wrong.
 
i had my old girl pts by injection
she was 48 and it was peaceful.i wasnt there as i couldnt bear it and didnt want to upset her.
my friend had her old 2 mares pts by injection too, both went peacefully, except one who had severe liver disease and was a VERY big mare.she was already down and needed 2 sets of injections as one wasnt enough.
the only experience ive heard of personally with shooting is my friend who had her gelding pts due to a broken leg by a vet with the bolt-they didnt do it right and the horse was thrashing about with blood coming from his head...
i think i will go for the injection but it depends on the circumstances-if the horse is scared of needles maybe shooting maybe quicker/easier?
 
In over 30 years of owning horses, I have had 4 PTS. Two were shot by the knackerman ad two were PTS by injection by the vet. All of them were PTS at home and knew nothing about it. The 2 that were PTS by the knackerman were led out of their stables, given a bucket of feed and were shot while eating and died instantly. The 2 that were PTS by injection, were sedated by the vet and then had the lethal dose administered and died immediately. If your horse is not afraid or traumatised by needles, then lethal injection is more of a peaceful end for the owner. If you decide to have your horse shot, please get the knackerman or hunt to do it - most vets have little experience of shooting horses, whereas the hunt and knackerman despatch fallen stock all the time and take pride in doing the job well.
 
It completely depends on the situation. If I had a horse that was old etc then I'd use the injection. My boy was shot because he broke his leg and vet warned me that if I had him injected he would feel pain as he went down on his leg.....worse for us but better for him to be shot.

Oscar, I would never have shot as he's so headshy.....
 
I think this is why i wouldnt voluntarily have my lad shot...old pony at riding school i worked at(she was such a sweety),was lead down to indoor school to be pts,the bloke flipping missed...that poor pony died on the 2nd attempt
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,i know it dosnt happen often but enough to put off!!
As for the injection...i do believe they should inject until sedated and then attatch a drip instead of more injections,increase until they fall asleep...if i had to go that would be how...send me to sleep with general then increase dosage until heart stops!!
 
I've known of shootings going wrong by a vet - not the hunt - never heard of them going wrong with the hunt. But this female vet took 3 goes, by this time the owner was hysterical and just ran off screaming - the pony was dead eventually - but the owner is traumatised forever!

You take your own choice for the good of your horse, but I would never use a vet for a shooting only an experienced knacker man or the hunt.

PS - it is against the law to bury a horse that has been PTS by lethal injection as one of the jabs causes a heart attack and this could get into the water system via the ground, you can only bury them once they have been cremated. All vets know this and mine insist on arranging the knacker to be there so take away the carcass for cremation.
 
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Shooting without a doubt, for preference by my local hunt staff who are experienced, caring and professional. Far less traumatic for horse than if an injection should go wrong, which happens far too many times. Well, TBH, you always hear about the ones that go wrong when many must go perfectly, but I would always go for shooting even if injections were 100% guaranteed.

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Agree 100%
Quick and simple.
Lethal injection is more for the owner's benefit IMO - better for the horse to be shot.
 
[ QUOTE ]
I've known of shootings going wrong by a vet - not the hunt - never heard of them going wrong with the hunt. But this female vet took 3 goes, by this time the owner was hysterical and just ran off screaming - the pony was dead eventually - but the owner is traumatised forever!

You take your own choice for the good of your horse, but I would never use a vet for a shooting only an experienced knacker man or the hunt.

PS - it is against the law to bury a horse that has been PTS by lethal injection as one of the jabs causes a heart attack and this could get into the water system via the ground, you can only bury them once they have been cremated. All vets know this and mine insist on arranging the knacker to be there so take away the carcass for cremation.

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Ask H&H: Can I bury my horse?

Compiled by Claire Evans

Q: I had always assumed that when the time came, it would be all right to bury my horse on my land, but a friend has said this is illegal. Is this true and if so what other options are there?

A: In England, horses that are kept as pets can be buried on their owners' or other land, provided the owner obtains the agreement of their local authority and follows its advice regarding burial.


The local authority has to agree that the horse is a pet rather than livestock, which cannot be buried. Horses not kept as pets and other livestock "must be delivered to a premises approved under the regulation for proper collection and disposal (eg: hunt kennel, knacker yard, incinerator operator)" in accordance with EU Animal By-Products Regulation (EC) no 1774/2002.


The animal owner can join the National Fallen Stock Scheme, which for a set fee provides information about local disposal services.


The reason these horses do not fall into the same category as other livestock is because horses are not normally kept for human consumption in the UK, unlike other European countries, so they can benefit from a derogation (partial repeal)

for pet animals under article 24 of Animal By-Products Regulation (EC) no 1774/2002.


Horse owners must comply with all stipulations made by their local authority regarding the burial site. The authority is likely to state that it must be:


at least 250m away from any well borehole or spring that supplies water

at least 30m from any other spring or watercourse, and at least 10m from a field drain

have at least 1m of subsoil below the bottom of the burial pit, allowing a hole deep enough for at least 1m of soil to cover the carcass

when first dug, the bottom of the hole must be free of water

However, each authority may have its own separate guidelines.


Horse owners in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland should consult their respective non-agricultural departments for advice.


In England, for more information (tel: 08459 335577) or visit www.defra.gov.uk
 
My only experience of shooting was quite unpleasant for all involved. I have used an injection twice and it was very peaceful and calm.

Legislation about the disposal of carcasses applies to farm animals and, although subject to interpretation, in most instances horses are classed as pets and can be buried at home. The legislation regarding pollutants, such as the drugs used to bring about death, only affects the choice of the burial site, e.g. cannot be buried near waterways, springs, etc.
 
I would always have mine PTS by injection we have had 2 oldies PTS one donkey on pony and the donkey went v quick but I think he was v poorly. The pony was PTS by a different vet and I wasn't so happy with that but I think the main prob was we put him in a stable to have it done and that stressed him out. I think we made the wrong decision there as he hated stables so really we should have just done it in the field.

I couldn't have mine shot, i just don't agree with it, there's too much room for error in my opinion. A bullet at point blank range doesn't always kill a human outright so i don't believe it would always kill a horse IMO.

People are willing to have their horse undergo GA for operations. The horse being PTS by injecyion is no different to me, they have the GA and then they have an overdose, they know nothing about it. Yes they may look like the are moving etc after but basically the vet will/ should stay to check the heart has stopped etc. The only way I can see this would ever go 'wrong' is if you haven't had a competent equine vet carry it out.

Sorry but in my mind I wouldn't have my dog shot so I wouldn't have my horse shot either. Also, we have buried 4 of ours on our own land - the vet told us regulations had changed and it was dependent on the drugs used, how close to water course etc. I don't believe in sending my horses to a hunt, I don't hunt, don't agree or disagree with it really, it's just not something i actively 'support'.

It's down to personal choice I guess but I feel my horse(s) have been good 'servants' to me so the least I owe them is a dignified end.
 
OTOH I have a lovely big mare who is afraid of injections, the very sort who's adrenalin would fight the effects of sedative. She will be shot, quick and stress free for her.
 
I had my horse shot by a knakerman it was done so well.
I do not regret that .I will if I have to and the situation allows
have the hunt or knakerman to shoot .
It was quick and in my eyes right.It seems dignified to me.But thats just how I feel.
But again its down to personal preferance and what you feel is best
for your horse.
 
I would like my baby to pass away in his sleep peacefully many many many many years from now with angels playing harps.

Unfortunately, I do not think this is likely and I cannot decide.

I would prefer heavy sedation and then shooting. The sedation so that it happens first time. BANG.

Unfortunately, my vet will only inject and whichever way it happens, I hope it is quick, painless and my horse is not aware of what is happening. Its whats best for him which is the most important thing.
 
We have had a number of deaths over the 30 odd years we have kept horses. They all come for life and stay until the end, when they are put to sleep at home. We have had all but one shot, by both the hunt and our excellent local knacker firm. ALL the shootings have been quick, efficient and as pleasant an end as there can be. The injection was not pleasant. The little 12.2 mare was down (had foundered and after much treatment, too much treatment with hindsight, reached the end) She fought the injection and also fought the effects, never, never again. The other advantage of shooting is that the body is removed at the same time. The, sort of, disadvantage for us the last time, was the surreal experience of it turning into a bit of a social event as the knackerwoman is a close friend of a close friend.
 
Injection everytime in my opinion!
However, if something was in the field with its leg hanging off, i think i would consider the bullet if it was the quickest way!
Having put my mare to sleep earlier this year the thought of having it done with a gun, makes me feel physically sick.
They have injections all through their lives, it is no different to them. At no point do they ever have a gun put to them!
If i was to be in the shooting camp as it were, i would want the hunt to do it, rather than the vets!
I think it is such a personal thing, that no one can ever say one way is wrong!
 
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