Being prepared and knowing what to do in the event of sudden death or necessary euthanasia of your horse, pony or donkey ensures that you don’t have to organise arrangements in the midst of grieving.
Planning and knowing where to go for practical and compassionate equine end of life advice is essential so that your companion’s death is dealt with humanely, and sensitively.
The horse must be collected quickly, sympathetically, efficiently and at a mutually acceptable price which the owner can afford, and which ensures the collector can provide a quality, professional and timely service.
Natural Death
When your equine dies naturally there is a lot of emotion, and grief that you, the owner, may face. Whatever the circumstance of your companions death, we will help you organise the respectful removal of their body.
Euthanasia
Euthanasia is the administering of a painless death to relieve suffering. The two most common methods of euthanasia used in the horse, pony and donkey are: shooting with a free bullet or an intravenous lethal injection. Both techniques are humane and result in a quick death.
In an emergency situation euthanasia can be indicated on humane grounds e.g. severe colic or long bone fracture. This situation is often clear cut, in contrast with judging when to euthanize the old or ill horse with a declining quality of life or hopeless prognosis.
The longer ownership of horses that we are now experiencing inevitably means that there are stronger emotional ties. This strong attachment and bond can sometimes mean we delay euthanasia to protect ourselves from anticipated sadness, but this can compromise our horse’s welfare. Euthanasia can become a treatment option and timely euthanasia is good welfare. Your vet will help advise you when the time may be right and we are here to support you through the decision making.
Insurance
It is important to clarify what type of insurance cover you have for your horse before euthanasia. Clear communication with the insurance company and the veterinary surgeon can avoid disappointment afterwards. To be eligible for mortality insurance the reason for euthanising the horse has to follow the guidelines laid down by the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA). Your vet will be able to advise you about this. Also it is worth remembering that most insurance companies will request a post mortem to be carried out.
Equine Charities
In partnership with The British Horse Society, World Horse Welfare and the Blue Cross, The Equine End of Life Service provides access to their additional information to help you decide of the best course of action and make you aware of support available for owners. Please see the links to support pages here
Notification of your equines death
The Passport Issuing Organisation (PIO) who issued your horse’s passport should be notified within 30 days of their death. In order to avoid appointment reminders your veterinary practice, dental practice, and physio should be contacted too.
We can’t take away the pain of your loss, but we can help organise elements of the day to support you, as we understand how upsetting this time can be.
Prices
It’s important to bare in mind that costs are incurred with all End Of Life services whether your horse has passed away naturally or not. Therefore we can advise you of all potential costs so you can plan ahead.
For support charities and further information click here: End Of Life Support
Cross Trees Livery 