An animal can be put to death with euthanasia.Euthanization is the only way to end the suffering of your horse, and it can be very difficult to think about it.Knowing when, why, and how to end one's life will help you make the right decision.
Step 1: You can choose the date for death.
If the procedure is not an emergency, you should decide when you want it to happen.This will give you time to plan the removal and disposal of your horse's body.You will have time to discuss your decision with your family and friends.
Step 2: Make sure you check your insurance policy.
Before you kill your horse, make sure you review your mortality insurance policy.There may be provisions in the policy for the insurance company to authorize the killing of a human being.You don't want to create more stress for yourself if you decide to end your life against the insurance policy.
Step 3: You should arrange for your horse's removal.
Take time to coordinate your horse's removal and burial if it is not an emergency situation.If you want your horse's body removed, contact a disposal service.If you don't want your horse to be buried, you can have it cremated or rendered.If you prefer non-burial options, contact companies that provide these professional services.
Step 4: Euthanizing is appropriate in certain situations.
There are a number of reasons to end one's life.Your vet can tell you if your horse has these conditions.There was a traumatic injury and inoperable colic.
Step 5: Should your horse be euthanized?
It's difficult to decide whether to kill your horse.If you have time, you can ask your doctor some questions.You want to make the right decision for your horse.Is my horse tired?Can I still take on the financial burden of caring for my horse?Is there any other way to end my horse's life?How long will my horse suffer?
Step 6: Understand the different methods of death.
Barbiturates and penetrative captive bolt are some of the methods that are acceptable for horses.Your vet is licensed to use these methods and can explain them to you.With this knowledge, you can make an informed decision on what method to use to end a horse's life.Barbiturates are drugs that affect the nervous system.Barbiturates will cause unconsciousness, depression of breathing, and eventually cardiac arrest if given as an overdose.sodium pentobarbital is the most commonly used barbiturate.Your vet can administer barbiturates.The use of a penetrative captive bolt is an acceptable option.Immediate unconsciousness is caused by a concussion and major brain damage from a penetrative captive bolt.This method is used in cattle for slaughter.While your horse is under anesthesia, your vet can give you a KCl injection.Cardiac arrest and death can be caused by an overdose of KCl.Euthanasia methods that may not consistently lead to a humane death or have not undergone extensive scientific testing are classified as 'conditionally acceptable'.They are a high risk for human error.
Step 7: Understand the role of your vet.
It is important to remember that the decision to end your life is yours to make.It is very rare for a vet to make a decision to kill someone without the owner's consent.Since you don't have the same emotional and financial attachment to your horse as you do, asking your vet what they would do can put them in an uncomfortable position.If your vet feels that your horse's medical condition doesn't warrant being euthanized, you should keep that in mind.If you are still undecided after speaking with your vet, consider seeking a second opinion.
Step 8: You can choose a firearm.
When veterinary assistance is not available, gunshot is the only practical method of death.If you want to kill your horse with a gunshot, you can either use a pistol or rifle.If there is no one to help you hold the horse, you can use a pistol and hold it in one hand and the rope in the other.If you only have access to a rifle, someone else will need to hold the horse because you will have to use both hands.There are different types of shotguns that you can use.The heavy lead or copper-coated projectiles in the shotguns are appropriate for use on a horse.
Step 9: You can choose the appropriate bullets.
The most popular bullets are either.38 or.22 caliber.The.22 caliber is sufficient to penetrate the skull in younger horses.The larger.38 caliber is recommended for older and larger horses with thicker skulls.A bullet that is encased in a full metal jacket is a better choice.The chance of a bystander getting injured when a gun is fired is reduced.The goal of selecting the proper firearm is to ensure that the bullet is large enough to penetrate the skull with enough velocity and energy to cause massive brain destruction and immediate death.Make sure the gun is loaded so that it will be ready for death.
Step 10: There is a location for the death.
If you want to remove the horse for burial, cremation, or rendering, choose an area that is easy to reach.If your horse is in a stall or small area, it will be difficult to move him once he enters a state of rigor mortis, which takes about two hours.If your horse is in a smaller area and cannot be moved, you will need to perform the death of the animal without moving it.
Step 11: You can blindfold your horse.
You will be standing in front of your horse to shoot the gun, so if he is not blindfolded, he will not see what you are about to do.He will not be able to see what you are about to do and you won't have to look him in the eye.If your horse is unsafe to approach, do not blindfold him.
Step 12: Stand straight up.
You need to stand in front of the horse, but slightly off the side, if you are using a shotgun or rifle.If you are using a shotgun, hold it in one hand and the rope in the other.If you are using a rifle, you should use both of your hands to hold the rifle and the other person should stand behind you for their protection.Stand two to three feet away from your horse.If you are standing directly in front of the horse, it is very dangerous for you and anyone assisting you to fall forward.If your horse falls, stand off to the side.Stand up from your horse.The force of gravity won't push his body towards you if he falls forward.If anyone else is watching the procedure, make sure they are behind you.
Step 13: You should aim your gun.
To make sure the bullet enters the skull, draw two imaginary lines.Take one line from the right ear to the left eye and the other from left to right.The intersection of these two lines should be in the middle of your horse's forehead and at the ridge of the skull.To avoid the ridge, aim your gun slightly off center.If gunpowder and gas get trapped in the gun and cause an explosion in your hand, this could cause serious injury to you.If you keep the gun two to three feet away from the entry point, the bullet will enter the skull with more speed.It will be easier to get the correct aim if the animal is standing.Aim down the neck if the animal is lying down.Try to aim for the head, neck, or lower chest if your horse is thrashed.
Step 14: Shoot the gun.
If your aim is correct, your horse should go down and die immediately.Even if the bullet entered the skull at the correct location, your horse may convulse.Everyone should stand as far back from the horse as possible for safety reasons.If you need to aim for another part of the body because your horse is too mobile or in an awkward position, you can wait until your animal is more still after the initial shot.
Step 15: Make sure that your horse is dead.
You can check to see if your horse has died.Listening for a heartbeat is one way to do that.You can check your horse's eyes.The eyes of a horse are very sensitive, so even if you touch them, they won't die.The clear covering over the eyes can be touched to check them.The horse is still alive if it blinks.Try again after several minutes.You will know that your horse has died when the eye no longer responds to your touch.
Step 16: Move the horse.
It is a good idea to have your horse moved.If rigor mortis sets in, your horse's body will become stuck in the position in which he died, which could make it difficult to move him.