Resources relating to euthanasia, from welfare through to guidelines for all risks mortality insurance.
Protocol for euthanasia of horses
All risks insurance guide
Riding and sport horse insurance guide
The equine euthanasia decision tree is based upon our 2009 guide to best practice for considering euthanasia on humane grounds.
This is an effective and safe method of euthanasia under the following protocol, but it is observed that horses tend to move backwards during euthanasia:
Euthanasia of horses that are already anaesthetised or that are anaesthetised via other means can be undertaken using Pentobarbital (as above) or using a concentrated solution of potassium chloride (if other methods are unavailable and if considered appropriate under the prescribing cascade).
Potassium chloride must never be used in the conscious horse.