circumstances, there is adequate time to call a licensed veterinarian to determine if there is a hopeless prognosis for life and to euthanize the horse, if necessary. The following guidelines should be used when

considering the need to euthanize a horse for humane reasons:

The following criteria should be considered in evaluating the immediate necessity for euthanasia of the horse to avoid incurable, excessive, and unnecessary suffering:

1.      Is the condition chronic and incurable? (To be determined only by a licensed veterinarian)

2.      Does the immediate condition carry a hopeless prognosis for life? Examples include but are not limited to, open long bone fractures, evisceration with rupture of the bowel, dismemberment.

3.      Is the horse a hazard to itself or its handlers? Examples include but are not limited to, uncontrollable struggling/thrashing in traffic or crowded area.

4.      Will the horse require continuous medication for the relief of pain for the remainder of its life? (To be determined only by a licensed veterinarian)

Euthanasia Procedures

1.      Whenever possible, euthanasia of horses should be performed by a licensed veterinarian working under a valid veterinarian/client/patient relationship.

2.      The prime consideration in selection of a drug for euthanasia purposes should concern the capacity of that drug or combination of drugs to produce painless death. Any method or compound used must conform to the guidelines set forth by the AVMA Panel on Euthanasia (1993 Report of the AVMA Panel on Euthanasia. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Vol. 202, No. 2, January 15, 1993).

3.      If euthanasia of a horse by an individual other than a licensed veterinarian becomes necessary during certain emergency circumstances, gun shot is the only practical method of euthanasia.

4.      The decision to euthanize a horse by an individual other than a licensed veterinarian should only be made when the criteria for euthanasia, listed previously have been fulfilled. Items 2 and 3 are the only criteria for euthanasia, which can be determined by anyone other than a licensed veterinarian.

5.      It should be performed by highly skilled personnel using a firearm appropriate for the situation. Personnel should be experienced in the proper and safe use of firearms and must comply with laws and regulations governing their possession and use.

6.      Whenever possible, the horse should be properly restrained prior to euthanasia by gunshot. This includes placement of a halter with appropriate length lead rope attached and any other device which will insure the target described below is able to be visualized (eg: hobbles).

7.      The firearm should be aimed so that the projectile enters the (1) brain, head-on approach; Figure (A), or (2) spinal cord, side approach; Figure (B), thus causing instant unconsciousness. The correct site for the head on approach is the intersection of lines drawn form the base of the ear to the center of the orbit of the opposite eye (A). The correct site for the side approach is between the base of the ear and the wing of the atlas (B). (See diagram)

Developed by the State of California, Department of Food and Agriculture, Division of Animal Industry, Animal Health BranAnimal Care Program, 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 654-1447

Disclaimer: CDFA does not intend the release of these guidelines to affect

the legal issue of criminal responsibility in any way.

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