Readers Weigh in on Low-Cost Euthanasia Clinics

More than 2,370 readers of TheHorse.com responded to a poll asking, “Do you think low-cost equine euthanasia clinics should be widely available?”

results of poll on low-cost euthanasia

Results were as follows:

Yes: 89.08% (2,112)
No: 5.69% (135)
I don’t know: 5.23% (124)

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sometimes people cant afford to have ahorse put down
when it is time and cost is a factor
As long as healthy horses aren’t euthanized for the convenience of the owner.
Rather one should have lower cost equine euthanasia at all times. Or, use a more economical method
This is a viable option for those who can’t afford a vet or renderer
many horses are left to suffer unneccesarily when the owners are not able to afford euthansia.
but the vet should always give a tranquilizer first as it greatly improves the process and costs lit
If the slaughter plants are closes, there has to be other options for protection of the horses
to end the suffering
I have learned the big problem is finding what to do with the body!
I think people need to have a reality check. Nothing can live forever. It comes down to quality of
yes, low cost & no cost & disposal
the risk of inhumane euthanasia is too high
This would prevent the suffering of many horses whose owners do not have endless financial resources
With rising costs many owners cannot care for horses and no one else will take them..cruel to starve
Any help for unwantted horses is needed. Horses are starving becauood owners can’t afford to feed.
I personally feel that to have to make that decision is hard enough
This is a far better alternative to starvation
A bad option, but better than letting a horse suffer
It might make it too easy.
not for breeders or the financially able tht just can’t selthem because of market conditions
poeple need an out when they can’t afford to keep them, and don’t want to send them to an auction
Equine vets can handle euthanasia like small animal vets. It must be justified though.
It would save much suffering
because of cost, horses are left dying painfully, when a quick procedure would be best for the horse
depending on what method they use for euthanasia
humane euthanasia should never be done without the presence of a licensed vet
body disposal???
yes, and let’s have the breed associations fund it with a fee for each new registration.
Too many people are going to abuse it.
euthanasia, not slaughter plants
The anit-salughter bill was the worst thing for horses.
A quick death is better than one slowed by starvation or lack of care.
However, if euthanasia due to abuse/mistreatment, person not allowed to own another horse
Horses have gotten so cheap people in my area wouldn’t spen the gas to take to vet just let die
No one likes to see a horse put down. I think we need to do it in a humane manner.
It is still outrageous to have to poison horses just because they are horses instead of using the me
I belive horses should be given the chance to die with dignity. It is the least we can do for them.
This is a double-edged sword. I’d rather hear of a horse put down then starving to death.
It is painful enough to lose the horse, let alone to pay for a dead horse
If available, maybe people wouldn’t turn loose or let those equines suffer that need to be put down
Especially in areas where there are large horse populations.
Tho an unpleasant prospect, it beats abandonment into starvation or other slow painful deaths
but only for horses that can’t be saved; not used to just get rid of an unwanted horse
It’s better than slaughter.
For those who don’t have another means of ending a life. Thankfully we can still dispose ourselves
There is an obvious need; euthanasia is more humane than slaughter.
Too many can’t afford the cost of euthanasia and disposal – this is a good idea
far better to die humanely than at the killers’ hands
I love horses but also agree there is to many horses in rescue that should be euthanized.
COUNTIES SHOULD PROVIDE EUTHANASIA AND BURIAL AT LANDFILLS.WILLING TO PAY MORE TAX FOR SERVICE.
Also low cost cremation. No tallow company or dump for faithful pals.
It costs $300 here to put fown and dispose of horses.
Every horse deserves a peaceful end.
Ranchers all know the most cost effective method ……
In order to provide a humane,dignified death for horses instead of the slaughter house .
As the economy gets worse and it will, people will be forced to do the unthinkable! Help for the own
white horses
Absolutely. This service shold be provided in the same ways it is offered fo small companion animals
not thru rescues! NorCal sell valuable horses & kill others while adding to record # of rescued”
Not Widely available. That would only encourage more irresponsible breeding.
better than to let or allow suffering
We have few horse vets in this area and most will not euthanis a healthy horse.
Humane euthanasia NOT slaughter!
People should reconsider breeding their horses; overpopulation & lack of competent potential owners
right now there is no other humane treatment available
it is better than suffering and starvation becuase owners can’t afford their horse anymore
only because he may be more humane then transporting horses to slaughter houses which is tragic
there needs to be an alternative to brutal slaughter.
No, slaughter facilities
We had no problem with this until ignorant people got involved.
Local vets should provide low cost help with euthanasia of unwanted or unhealthy horses.
Because many people cannot afford this, some horses spend their end-lives in pain and/or starvation.
I’ve had to put many animals down, but my last experience was the worst, I don’t think I can rec. it
with the qualification that the need for euthanasia be evaluated case by case
I think they should re-open the “killer-plants” and make use of the animals instead of just killing
Somany unwanted or unaffordable horses are left in fields to wither away to eat droughted grass. If
Without the availability of slaughter houses we need to be able to humanely put down unwanted horses
I’d rather shot them &use ther meat.
This alternative should be mandated by Fed and State law.
these clinics would be better than any alternative
open the slaughter houses and we wouldn’t have to waste good flesh that could be feeding the hungry
There should be a more affordable way to euthanize horses to eliminate the mistreatment of them.
There has to be a low cost alternative otherwise more will starve to death.
In this economy it is better they be euthanized than starved to death if owners can’t feed them.
It would help a lot of owners who have an ailing horse be able to end thier suffering in a humanely
Especially now that we no longer have slaughter facilities
euthanasia is a more humane and more responsible way to take care of “unwanted” horses
absolutely not- would make it too easy
I think we should have horse slaughter houses
it’s a lot better than allowing them to starve or run free
There would be less suffering if an owner could pay $25 instead of $100+disposal.
i had a good vet and thought only they could do it
There is always hope;a horse shouldn’t have to be denied living because of a lack of $ from an owner
In extreme cases of need, screened for neglect we might be able to end some suffering, abusable
yes i am tired of trying to save my neighbors horses from starving-i would pay their euth fee
Many people keep a horse that needs to be euthanized just because they cannot afford the cost of eut
could lessen need for slaughter facilities – but don’t look at it as a replacement.
the unfortunate does happen and I wouldn’t want one of my horses to suffer longer than it really has
Vote yes. Painless death is humane where as starving and slaughter is torture!
It will end a suffering that would otherwise be there and if they adopt some horses all the better.
Wouldn’t that be great if this was an available option everywhere thru a national agreement of vets
Definitely yes. Too much suffering going on now without the slaughter houses.
NO WAY, people would use them like abortion clinics, kill off that horse and buy a new one!
Please – we need some option, other than starvation and neglect!
This could be the answer to Humane Harvesting Facilities in every state. An excellent solution.
Horses can not be left to suffer, low cost euthanasia os an alternative to slaughter for food.
Horses suffer when care can’t be provided. Low-cost euthanasia is a better alternative than sufferin
I think it will only promote potential abuse.
It would save hundreds of horses from suffering from inproper care, and abuse.
Guns are available for those so disposed to kill their animals rather than take care of them.
If someone has a horse that needs to be put down because of a medical condition, I think that they a
There are so many horses that need to be euthanised but the owner can’t afford it
We have an overbundance of all animals and unwanted animals should not have to suffer from costs
u have people out there trying to put them down an messing up bad & the animal suffers, its not fair
absolutely!
It is one way to stop horses from being sent to slaughter.
However, controlled slaughter houses would be better – horses are livestock – remember!
In NW FL people lead them into the woods and shoot them. Can’t afford other options.
maybe more horses would suffer less if owners had such an option – better to end life than to suffer
Sad but true – better a humane end to suffer than a slaughter yard or continued suffering
We certainly need an alternative to starvation.
It is sad t think of any animal being euthanized but often the alternative is much worse.
the price of fuel & hay has made many people unable to support them
Open slaughter houses after insuring humane, enforceable laws
The cost of euthanasia should be the responsibility of the owner, but some may need assistance
And for small animals too!!!
Would need specific criteria and regulations in place.
yes, yes, yes
This may stop some from taking a horse to auction because they don’t want to spend the money to have
I would rather euthanasia than animals being abandoned in the desert to die of thirst or starvation.
I would rather see this than horses abandoned in the desert to die of thirst or starvation.
disposal also..may save some horses from starving….or better yet bring back humane slaughter in US
It is more cruel to let the horse suffer. It’s not morally right but better than a slow death.
Horses shouldn’t have to suffer because the owners can’t or won’t spend the money to put them down.
Why not? We have it for our small pets. I want to know there’s someone to help my horses when needed
Sadly if they can’t be adopted, this would be better than starvation.
It would save a lot of pain for animal and owner.
For only the horsse that really need to be put down!
With slaughter being unavailable, there needs to be an option for those with no other options.
Linked to rescue for placeable horses.
Absolutly! The cost in my area So Cal is about $300.00 now including hauloff.
yes. cost of disposal is more than vet cost here in minn.eveyones gotta make a buck – sick world
a humane option for ailing horse
It is the responsible way to end a life, rather than sending a horse to the torture of slaughter.
Absolutely! The California model is excellent!
So many people I know iare keepimg unhealthy horse low-cost equine euthansia were widely available.
BUT I also think only people who can afford to care provide care their whole lives should have them.
So that the owner can do the right thing when the time comes.
We ought to have the option of packing houses for horses that are unwanted. They paid for the horse.
The cost is $100-$200 now..a drop in the bucket compared to hay prices.
I just had to euthanise my 1 yr old Arabian and it cost 431.00
Current economic situation merits this. People no longer can care for their horses.
This option is critical to keep horses from painful slaughter.
It might keep horses owned by people who don’t care from starving to death…
yes but only if the euthanasia is really necessary and not used just to get rid of unwanted horses
more humane than slaughter
It is the only humane solution since slalughter is no longer an option. Make anti-slaughter fans pay
Money should not be an issue in this decision. Horse welfare should be.
With high feed prices,etc. some owners have terrible choices to make. consider the horses
If it will save horses from being abused or going to slaughter, DEFINITELY!
Euthanasia is a painless way for abused and neglected horses who can’t find good homes.
with the option to turn adoptable animals over to rescues
needs to be VERY low-cost!
I feel it would keep down the amount of starved, crippled and unwanted horses.
Euthanasia is far more humane than needlessly prolonging a neglected horse’s suffering.
People who don’t know what to do when faced with losing a horse. Some are abandoning them . This wou
It is much better to have a horse euthanized or adopted than left to starve.
this is a no brainer with the overpopulatin of horses and irresponsible owners and breeders
Poor economy, costs of care, and filled rescues. These clinics are very necessary.
To Many older unsound horse could have a happier ending
But possibly even more important is reasonable carcass disposal options.
No affordable options are available…
It would cut down on numbers of horses starving to death in pastures due to slaughter house closure.
Better yet open up slaughter on horses so you can bring them to local places and have it done humane
Depending on the health of the horse and if they are ridable. Good health should not be euthanized j
For horses that have no other options and the vet is in agreement that euthanasing is the best thing
Have very mixed feelings about this.
Guidelines are needed
Also horse slaughter should be legalized because the INHUMANE way it’s done in Mexico is BARBARIC
It is hard enough to lose your best friend–and then have a huge vet bill to deal with . . .
Since people suck, we need these clinics for the sake of the horses.
need more info
not only low cost euthanasia but also carcass disposal too
I WOULD RATHER SEE AN ANIMAL PUT DOWN “THE” STAVE TO DEATH!!!!
It is far better to have a human alternative than to promt suffering
maybe we could eliminate some of the abuse if low cost euthanasia were available
a necessart evil….not enough money or facilities to care for all unwanted horses.
yes, its better than a slow, painful death by neglect and starvation!
Better then the alternative shipping to Mexico
what else can we do with older unwanted horses? Can’t even sell them for dog food anymore.
Absolutely! Too many horses are suffering because owner’s can’t affoird euthanasia and disposal
It certainly beats letting horses die of neglect or other forms of cruelty!
You gotta be kidding?
No, because there would be too many good horses being put down due to laziness, indifference
yes, but the ones that aren’t feeding & neglecting won’t do it to end the suffering
However, the companion problem for many is how to dispose of the carcase.
Also disposal.
IF MONITORED SO THAT IT IS REALLY NECESSARY AND NOT BEING DONE FOR AN OWNERS CONVIENANCE
For the well-being of the horses
SICK AND UNADOPTABLE HORSES ONLY
Somethig has to be done for these poor animals that aren’t wanted since slaughter has been banned.
with the overpopulation of unwanted horses, the dumped ones, neglected, Vets, or some intervention
No Way!
If a horse owner can not afford to feed their horses than how can they afford the cost of euthanasia
Many folks let their aging or very ill horses live in pain because they cannot afford to euthanize.
It is the kindest thing to do instead of pain and starving
This is a key factor in making sale by auction to killer buyers less attractive.
help these poor older or injured animals
It should be just as available as it is for our dogs & cats when they are too old or in pain.
I am so split on this, it really hurts to see horses suffer. But when it is needed yes.
Yes, if it would replace slaughtering but adoptions should be 1st.
It’s inhuman for horses to suffer unnecessarily.
This might just save some horses from the feedlots and slaughter houses
too many horses suffering out there because of the cost of euthanasia
Suffering, starving should not be the end for a horse whose owners run out of resources.
if we could get rid of unwanted horse it may save the horse market
Much more humane than letting unwanted horses starve!
owners would be less likely to allow horses to suffer or to send them to killer sales
It is a much more benign and responsible alternative than the mexican slaughterhouses.
I believe some horses are left to suffer until death because owners do not have the money
Please get this started ASAP!!
We need clearing houses around the country where horses can go to be assessed and put down if necess
Human euthanasia should be a decision based on economics.
It is a humane answer to a growing problem.
absolutely better than slaughter, wish it didn’t have to be an option but is nec.
With the ban of slaughter, some people have no recourse
Only if humane treatment is strictly enforced
as distasteful as euthanasia of an unwanted animal is, the alternatives can be far, far worse for t
If we have put the skids on slaughter – what other reasonable choice is there?
Would offer opportunties to educate owners as well as proved a good end for suffering horses.
Also, there should be discounts for the disposal. Maybe do both in one central location.
Given the time and expense of the procedure most practitioners already discount this service.
Need companies for the removal of the body also
It’s much better than watching them starve to death.
I should be available now the the slaughter houses are closed. Less would be left to starve.
it’s a more humane alternative than Mexican slaughterhouses!!
it would save a lot of suffering, and hopefully prevent some abuse from happening
a horse shouldn’t suffer because it’s owner can’t afford to put it down
Clinics need to be very localized due to lack of transportation by some.
Absolutely, and vet must agree that this is best solution or horse goes to rescue facility or….?!
Give these horses a better way out than slaughter
Inexpensive euthanasia is not the issue for me- it is the dilema of removal of remains.
i have paid up to $300 to have a horse put down and it can cost up to $300 to have it disposed of
I just put down a pony 🙁 and illegally burried him but not everyone has this option
If not able to be resusitated by a humane group humane euthanization is the right choice.
And the HSUS should foot all the bills!
so owners that can’t afford their horses don’t dump or neglet them
Many horses suffer longer than necessary due to cost of euthanasia and burial/disposal
These poor horses can’t be left to suffer in death. We can be “humane” by letting them go.
There should always be another option
The option should be there!
Excellent option in the current economic environment
With the caveat that rescues will take in healthy animals.
I believe it to be a last resource; it’s better than a slow death due to neglect or abandonment!
Only for obviously terminal or elderly cases.
I hope it would end suffering/abuse, maybe lead to saving some horses too
Euthanasia carried out only if a Vet prescribes.
Horse owners need to factor euthanasia plans (and costs) into their budget BEFORE buying a horse.
Yes, by captive bolt. . that and human slaughter houses for all animals.
Only under controlled circumstances. Horses should not be ‘disposable’ items.
If there can be a low cost clinic why can’t our regular vets perform euthanasia inexpensively?
Euthanasia by lag bolt is painless, cheap, and humane.
It’s the only solution for some horses and owners
Absolutely! As a horse lover, we ‘
This might help slow down negelect & starvation of older horses
and burial services
without slaughter houses we are overwhelmed with unwanted horses
WOuld improve the welfare of suffering animals
How better to honor those that serve us than to let them go with dignity
well we have to do something since we can’t count on the Law ot Goverment to do the right thing !
This would help with the amount of hurting horses out there.
Its a zillion times more humane than slaughter and its better than the horse suffering in neglect
Makes it too easy for heartless owners to get rid of performance horses past their peak
Too many people let horses suffer as they can’t afford treatment or to put the horse to sleep.
Its better than going to the killer.
Horses are ‘dumped’ in my area. Stables find new horses left in their barns in the morning.
This is one of the hardest issues for horse owners – Yes!!
euthanasia should should be used for non recoverable diseases and to limit their suffering
as a rescue operator, if people had an option, maybe horses wouldn’t be left to starve
IT’S BETTER HORSES/ANY ANIMAL TO BE HUMANELY EUTHANIZED THAN STARVED OR NOT GIVEN MEDICAL CARE
You still have to dispose of the remains; sometimes that’s another issue in itself!
yes, if slaughter ban stays,better than starving
end needless suffering
that is if the horse is crippled or so old that its losing weight and if there is no choice for some
It is better than abandoning them but some might be too quick to use it
Slaughter bans also need to be lifted.
There should be a humane way to put you big animals to rest, not everyone wants to shoot their own
More people would do the right thing if this option were available.
The alternative is worse – neglect and possible cruelty
as long as horses are treated with kindness & respect.Owners also
i think this is a horrible but necessary situation for owners that have no other options.
better to use euthanasia than people sending the horses to slaughter or just neglecting them
this would cut down on the number of neglected horses left out in pasture
In tough times people who cant sell or afford to keep the horse need a humane altermative.
Only for sick or injured horses, not because owners can’t afford them. That’s just plain killing!
What we really need is humane slaughter houses.
Yes
since HSPCA and Gov’t are trying to limit my options
lower cost: certainly, clinics? No
Yes!! This would save a lot of horses from being starved or turned loose due to lack of money.
the meat needs to be used. Put it back into dog food. Our dogs are starving for nutrition
There is a hay shortage in our area, prices are up and horses are already being neglected
Hopely this will allow people to end the lives of horses with dignity.
It may be an incentive for an owner to do the right thing.
Absolutely! That would end the slaughter houses.
and they should reverse the decision to close the slaughter houses w/strict inspections
Vets are too greedy so start w-lowering euth cost and go from there.
More affordable options for horse owners could equal less neglect
Any shipping/starvation alternative needs to have consideration
Low costs may equal lower standards. Who is going to donate meds/time/disposal? You?
It is hard enough to do the right thing for your beloved horse without incurring great expense.
certainly is better than allowing suffering, or starvation and turning loose, etc.
infinitely better solution than turning a horse on public land to starve
it is a crime we don’t help those in need
But should be closely regulated to insure that the guidelines are upheld and the option’s not abused
without slaughter operations, this is a necessity
Euthanasia should only be used in necessary events, having them give owner’s a chance to
A wonderful, kind option
absolutely.
A well-placed .22 slug is available, humane, and cheap already
Yes, but this needs to be regulated so abuses don’t occur.
Each horse euthanasia should be an individualized decision.
For aged and/or physically/mentally infirm equines only.
Vet and disposal costs are more than many people can afford today.
Since the Fed. made slaughter illegal they should pay for euthanasia and disposal of unwanted horses
Horses are being turned out onto the highways,or left in pastures to starve and die.
I think careful measures would need to be made to make sure that its not abused.
Vet supervised for people who can’t afford it under normal prices
Much better to euthanize than send to an auction!!!
What a sad reflection of our economy, but far more humane than the alternatives.
But only for terminally ill horses, Not becasue people can’t afford them anymore!
but with strict controls to validate ownership and authority to euthanize
Yes, I think it would stop a lot of horses facing the stress of transportation to slaughterhouses an
I think it would make it too easy to just get rid of unwanted horses instead of finding a good home
A quality of life deemed merciful.
But only for the very old and ill as a humane resource
And only used by Veternarian “REFERAL”. Hopefully this would elimate abuse by the public!
It also takes the planning out of it – many people can’t cope with the emotions, so wait too long.
It is the only humane approach. In this economy a lot of horses will be starving to death.
I think you should reopen the slaugher houses!!!
Only for those that “need” to be put down…sick or too old and health failing.
Australia should have them as so many people here have them slaughtered which is barbaric & cruel.
I think this is just so much more humane than the alternatives. Sad, but humane.
when faced with the economic loss of a horse the cost of euthanasia just adds to the stress
As much as I love horses, available euthanasia of some type is necessary.
Much kinder than leaving horses to starve to death.
it would help control the unwanted and ailing and aging horse population
It would help so much with older or sick horses that would require expensive vet bills.
Yes – even though what’s the difference between slaughter and euthanasia? Slaughter = meat at least
Yes, sadly, very sadly, yes
Only if it is the only option for the horse, not just owner conv.
sad but with slaughter banned this is needed
it would be better then letting an animal suffer before dieing
Betterto put them down then basically throw them away
slaughter houses are a necessary evil.All domesticated animals suffer the abuse, neglect, and irresp
As much as I hate to say yes., it is better than haviing these horse going to Mexico and being stabb
It’s the ONLY way out of the current dilemma.
I honestly think that is an easy way out. There should be other options available.
very much! it would help stressed income people to humanely put their sick and old horses to rest.
To many unwanted horses are left to suffer due to human neglect
What are people to do who can’t afford an aged horse, have tried and failed to find it a home?
people should not have to take their horse to auction because it’s cheaper than euthanasia
a sad reality and necessity
But the biggest problem is corpse disposal
Giving horse owners the option should give horses humane treatment for their last hours
It is humane; we don’t need anymore horses going to Candad and Mexico!
We must do the human thing for our beloved animals when faced with no alturnitives
would be a better way to an end that suffering from starvation
Yes! We need alternatives to slaughter. What did they do 100 yrs ago, burried them!
How do we dispose of all those unusable, toxic carcasses?
Should help eliminate slaughter trucks
Sure. It is a great idea. Hope to never have to use one.
But only for debilitated horses or dangerous ones–and truely dangerous not mishandled!
Something needs to be done to the unwanted horses.
but adequate disposal systems have to be in place also
An option to allow folks to make a humane decision rather than auction & slaughter
as long as this helps the suffering of sick and injured horses
but not for other wise healthy horses, only sick and crippled and dangerous horses.
Yes as analterative to neglect/abuse
We need to face reality, unwanted horses are going to suffer worse from starvation and neglect.
I am concerned that it may be a way of irresponsible people just getting rid of unwanted horses.
Better than terrifying slaughter house- horses know , glad slaughter is banned
To help eliminate the amount of neglected horses now suffering from the slaughter ban.
also disposel
good concept! How are animals transported from the clinic & to where?
I recently had to euthanize my 28yr old morgan due to poor health. It cost our family almost $1000.
Not only the euthanasia but disposal: keeping my 3 aged mares another year would have been cheaper
As an alternative to slaughter, or starvation? Absolutely!
send the bill to PETA
Better to put a horse down than let them starve to death from abandonment!!!!!
This choice could greatly relieve suffering in horses; from illness that is not treated, old age ,et
Until the horse population is fully controlled and accounted for, this should be an option.
the clinic must see that horse needs to be euth’d
ahh, yeah. It’s much better than starving neglected horses that owners can give away or feed
The slaughter houses should be reformed and reopened. There are to many horse and no enough rescues.
to encourage people to take more responsibil

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