_GG_
Well-Known Member
In response to another thread regarding a horse condemned to suffering after having been "rescued" from slaughter, it appears not everyone knows what can be done when things go wrong so here you go. Have a look at the link below. Read through and you will learn things that can mean the difference between a horse suffering unnecessarily and a horse being humanely destroyed in a timely manner.
Anyone can humanely destroy a horse in order to end suffering.
Only an animal welfare officer (RSPCA) or the police can authorise the destruction without the owners consent. Many police officers do not know this.
A vet DOES need the permission of the owner OR authorisation from an animal welfare officer or the police before humanely destroying a horse as a welfare case. The only exception is if the horse is at the vets practise and the situation is urgent but the vet must keep detailed records and evidence.
An animal welfare officer or the police NOT NEED a vet certificate in order to authorise the humane destruction of a horse, such that the circumstances mean that suffering would be unduly prolonged by waiting for it.
https://www.rcvs.org.uk/advice-and-...ns/supporting-guidance/euthanasia-of-animals/
Read the link. Save it on your phone or just remember that you can google search "destroying horse without owner consent" and find the above article(currently the first link). It can come in very handy where the authorities are not clear on things and you have a suffering horse in front of you.
I would always advise that if a horse or horses are in distress, injured or desperately ill, that you first contact a vet to get someone on the way there, then contact the owner. Next step, call the RSPCA as, like them or not, they have powers to authorise the humane destruction. If they say someone will be there in an hour, then call the police and explain calmly that you may need to call upon them should the owner deny permission to PTS or if the owner is unavailable.
When a horse is in desperate need of help, the owners decision IS NOT final.
I know most of us know all of this, but as a few don't seem to have known the little details, I thought it was worth posting. Any of us that have been around horses long enough will have experienced a few occasions where this knowledge would have helped and will help in the future.
Anyone can humanely destroy a horse in order to end suffering.
Only an animal welfare officer (RSPCA) or the police can authorise the destruction without the owners consent. Many police officers do not know this.
A vet DOES need the permission of the owner OR authorisation from an animal welfare officer or the police before humanely destroying a horse as a welfare case. The only exception is if the horse is at the vets practise and the situation is urgent but the vet must keep detailed records and evidence.
An animal welfare officer or the police NOT NEED a vet certificate in order to authorise the humane destruction of a horse, such that the circumstances mean that suffering would be unduly prolonged by waiting for it.
https://www.rcvs.org.uk/advice-and-...ns/supporting-guidance/euthanasia-of-animals/
Read the link. Save it on your phone or just remember that you can google search "destroying horse without owner consent" and find the above article(currently the first link). It can come in very handy where the authorities are not clear on things and you have a suffering horse in front of you.
I would always advise that if a horse or horses are in distress, injured or desperately ill, that you first contact a vet to get someone on the way there, then contact the owner. Next step, call the RSPCA as, like them or not, they have powers to authorise the humane destruction. If they say someone will be there in an hour, then call the police and explain calmly that you may need to call upon them should the owner deny permission to PTS or if the owner is unavailable.
When a horse is in desperate need of help, the owners decision IS NOT final.
I know most of us know all of this, but as a few don't seem to have known the little details, I thought it was worth posting. Any of us that have been around horses long enough will have experienced a few occasions where this knowledge would have helped and will help in the future.
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