Island Life Magazine Ltd August/September 2012 | Page 105

EQUESTRIAN
Local knackers will offer a similar
service. The costs involved when using
a hunt or a knacker will vary locally
and it is useful to investigate this
before their services are needed.
Should You Be Present?
This is a question only you can answer.
Many people feel that they want to be
with their horse in its final moments.
However, the horse will be in the
hands of a professional who is the best
person to deal with the situation. The
process can be distressing and there is
no shame in not being present.
Other Horses
Although often not feasible, you may
wish to allow other horses to see and
sniff the body after euthanasia has
taken place and the site has been
secured. The horses may choose
to ignore the body and this is not
unusual.

Passports
After the death of a horse you are
legally obliged to inform the relevant
Passport Issuing Organisation (PIO)
and return the passport to them within
30 days. Many PIOs will return the
passport to you if you request it as a
keepsake.
Insurance
If your horse is insured, it is important
to be clear exactly what the policy
covers if euthanasia is required. The
level of cover varies greatly, and in
many cases, only a contribution will be
made towards the costs involved. The
rest of the expense must be met by the
horse owner. A horse should never be
allowed to suffer because of issues with
insurance.
Afterwards
The death of a horse is not easy to
cope with. For many people it is

like losing a member of the family
and feelings of grief are absolutely
normal. It is often helpful to talk to
friends or family who understand the
size of your loss and there is no need
to feel silly or embarrassed about
mourning. There are specialist pet
bereavement counsellors who you may
find it helpful to contact if you feel it
necessary.
Euthanasia is not an easy topic to
talk or even think about. However,
we owe it to our horses to understand
the process and be prepared (as far as
is possible) should the worst happen.
Providing the right care at the end of
a horse’s life is the last, and possibly
greatest thing we can do for them.
The BHS Welfare Department are
always willing to talk to owners about
euthanasia and provide information,
advice and support required at a
difficult time.

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