Humane Society of the US Compiles State-by-State Regulations and Resources for Horse Euthanasia, Carcass Disposal

When it comes to burying a horse, not all states are created equal. The same adage applies if you are looking for a rendering plant or a low-cost euthanasia program.

But how would the average horse owner ever know?

Enter the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), which has compiled what looks to be a valuable tool for veterinarians, rescue workers, and owners or holders of unwanted horses who are looking for an alternative to sending a horse to slaughter but don't know what their choices are.

Hopefully, states will add services and resources as awareness grows, and also correct or add to their listings, so this resource will develop and grow.

Click here to access the list, and please forward this post to anyone you think might need this information.

Thanks to the Fugly Horse of the Day Blog for bringing this new resource to the horse world's attention.

Euthanasia Day: California Non-Profit Helps Horseowners Avoid Slaughter

A few weeks ago I wrote an impassioned blog post calling for reform in the options that horse owners have when choosing to sell or put down an unwanted horse. Among my ideas was that I suggested that AAEP member veterinarians work out a way to subsidize euthanasia on certain days to make it more affordable for owners.

Imagine my surprise today when the Fugly Horse of the Day blog spotlighted a California equine rescue group that is full to the gills with needy horses...and still answering way to many calls from owners with the rote, "Sorry, we're full..." message, knowing that the horse may end up at an auction and then be shipped to a Mexican slaughterhouse.

NorCal Equine Rescue in Oroville is offering euthanasia clinics; the first will be held on December 17th. Financially-strapped horse owners can have their horses euthanized for $25, only about 10% the cost that a veterinarian normally charges. The balance of the fee is to be paid by donations...and with a little publicity from the Fugly Blog, the donations have begun.

Click here to read how the group has planned out the euthanasia clinc, and what the circumstances are in northern California. I don't think they would mind if others copied their idea, but let's give them credit for this one. It is sad to think that it is even necessary, but this option should spare a good number of horses the trauma of the auction and a long long truck ride to a tragic death.

If you can, please donate to the euthanasia initiative. There's a PayPal link ("Donate" button) on the site to make it easy for you.

BLM Announcement: Mass "Euthanasia" of Unadoptable Wild Horses A Possibility

I wanted to post on this subject when I first read news of it, but thought it was important to wait for the official press release from the Bureau of Land Management, the federal agency charged with the "management" of herds of wild horses roaming the American West, as dictated by a federal law that was designed to protect wild horses and burros and keep them wild. Today, it is estimated that more "wild" horses live in government-owned or -subsidized pens than in the wild.

Buried in this press release is an announcement of critical importance as it marks a major sea change in management policy for the BLM's wild horse management scheme.

The word "euthanasia" is used incorrectly in this press release; what the government is proposing to do is more technically "culling", albeit on a major scale. This is what is done in some other countries, such as Australia.

Here's the statement:

BLM Confronts Challenges in the West's
Wild Horse and Burro Program

The Bureau of Land Management is facing a number of difficult challenges in the National Wild Horse and Burro Program. Our goal in the West is to manage healthy, free-roaming herds on healthy rangelands; however, it is becoming increasingly difficult to do so.

Wild horses and burros in the West have virtually no natural predators and their herd sizes can double about every four years. As a result, the agency must remove thousands of animals from Western public rangelands each year to ensure that herd sizes are consistent with the land’s capacity to support them. As of June 2008, there are more than 30,000 wild horses and burros that are fed and cared for at short-term and long-term holding facilities.

It is essential to keep the BLM’s wild horse and burro program in balance. Right now, the cost of keeping these animals in holding facilities is spiraling out of control and preventing the agency from successfully managing other parts of the program. For example, this fiscal year, holding costs will exceed $26 million, more than three-fourths of the BLM’s congressional appropriation of about $37 million for this program.

In addition, rising energy prices have increased costs. In one year alone, energy costs for transportation and feed have increased almost $4 million. It is clear the agency cannot continue current removal and holding practices under existing and projected budgets. Neither can the BLM allow horses to multiply unchecked on the range without causing an environmental disaster.

That's why the BLM is exploring options to exercise its legal authority to (1) sell older and certain other unadopted animals “without limitation” to any willing buyers and (2) euthanize those wild horses and burros for which no adoption demand exists. We know this is not a popular option, but we are at a critical point where we must consider using the legal authorities allowed us.

The BLM welcomes your input as we work to improve the program and the welfare of the West’s wild horses and burros within our budget. To leave feedback on this program, please call 1-800-710-7597.

(end of BLM official statement)

Injured Event Horse Le Samurai Is Dead

LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY--Amy Tryon's Rolex (Kentucky) Three-Day Event mount Le Samurai has been humanely euthanized at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in Lexington, Kentucky. The horse stumbled or was somehow injured at the final fence on cross-country at Rolex last Saturday. The FEI Tribunal is investigating Tryon's handling of the situation to see if abuse occurred.

On her web site today, Amy Tryon wrote, "I am heartbroken at the passing of Le Samurai. Sparky was a wonderful horse and a gallant partner who meant the world to me. His loss has left me indescribably sad. I want to join the Broussards in thanking the veterinarians who tried so hard to save him."

The horse did cross the finish line, where he was immediately seen by the veterinary team and transferred to the nearby veterinary hospital. Descriptions of his injuries suggest major damage to the gelding's suspensory ligament and or network of ligaments in the lower leg. No statement has been made on the exact diagnosis. One report in a newspaper said that an "elevator shoe" had been applied to his foot; this would probably be some sort of a patten bar shoe.

Statement from the Broussard Family, Owners of Le Samurai

"It is with tremendous sadness that we announce that Le Samurai has been humanely euthanized. From the outset we have been determined to give this magnificent horse the best veterinary treatment available, but only so long as the continuation of that treatment remained consistent with Sparky's best interests. Regrettably, the veterinarians treating him have advised us that a successful outcome is not possible.

"Sparky will be greatly missed by our family, Amy Tryon and everyone who knew and loved him. We wish to express our heartfelt thanks to Dr. (Robert) Hunt and the veterinary staff at the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute for their tireless dedication to Sparky's well-being. We also wish to thank the eventing community around the country for all the kindness and good wishes that have been extended to us and to Sparky.

--Jerome and Rebecca Broussard

An edited telecast of highlights from the event will be on NBC Sports at 5 pm (eastern time) on Sunday, May 6.

Broussard statement courtesy of USEF. Photo by Michelle C. Dunn courtesy of Rolex.