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Post by UpsetOwner on Oct 26, 2014 16:37:41 GMT
I am having to consider euthanasia for my elderly horse. I have never had a horse put to sleep before so am unsure of the ins and outs. I have spoken to the vets but the cost is huge, it seems cremation is very expensive, ironically he has always been very healthy and so they won't even let me pay in instalments as I'm not a regular! What are my other options? I'm assuming he couldn't go into the food chain as he has no medical history (he was a rescue) although certainly in the years I've had him he hasn't been on any medication. I am at a loss as to what to do really.
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Post by UpsetOwner on Oct 26, 2014 16:42:58 GMT
Also will he need his passport on the day as although I had him passported when I got him I have never used the thing since and have no clue where it is.
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Post by catkin on Oct 26, 2014 17:24:31 GMT
If you need support the BHS offers a service called Friends At The End which gives advice and moral support for people in your situation. Free of charge.
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sarahp
Happy to help
Posts: 9,510
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Post by sarahp on Oct 26, 2014 18:13:08 GMT
Sadly it will cost, whichever option you take. I hope you don't mind me being practical and giving information but round here vets do it by injection, and you will then have to pay them and then the knacker to deal with him after that. If your preferred option is for a gun, which many prefer as being instant, then a knacker or the local hunt would do it - our huntsman is a real sweetheart, very considerate to both horse and human, and cheaper than the knacker. I used to use the latter but the wonderful man from there who did it for years for me has now retired. I haven't seen the BHS publication as I've had to do a few over the years so know the ropes - I've been breeding for about 35 years and as the old saying goes, if you have livestock you have deadstock. It is the last kind thing we can do for them, prevent them from suffering, so be strong for him if you need to. By law you need the passport, but I've never yet been asked for it and in any case they just look at it as you are supposed to then send it back to the PIO (PIA?) for cancellation and inform them the horse has gone.
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Post by silvester on Oct 26, 2014 18:32:28 GMT
I had to have my dear old horse PTS this year, I honestly can't remember what the vets charged, but they were so lovely and careing and made it kind and easy. I'm pleased I went with a vet rather than anyone else though, personal preference, but they're professionalism made it so much easier on me, even though it was planned The vets also called the cremation people who came to collect my horse and saved me the hassle. I paid about £350 (I think) for joint cremation and no ashes back. It went up considerately for individual and if you wanted the ashes back. I wasn't bothered by that, but I definatly didn't want her body going elsewhere. They also charged about £75 call out. I think they were called resting pets and there website is worth a look for info and prices Be aware though, most crematoriums want paying the same day and will not cremate your horse until you ring and pay the full amount on the phone. I didn't like the thought of her body being stored there so make sure you can pay ASAP if you choose that route. I was very happy that the whole thing was kind, considerate, careing and painless, it was just how I'd wanted it Sorry to hear your having to do this, but it's a nice thought to do it the best planned way which suits you and your horse x x x
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Post by jacksprat on Oct 26, 2014 18:43:57 GMT
we had to have our young horse pts 2 years ago, it cost £175 for the vets and £185 for disposal. joint cremation, no ashes back, i was guided by the disposal chap who advised it may be harder to keep looking at ashes and your memories are in your head, wise words i think. i used the company recommended by my vets and they were lovely, really understanding and patient
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Post by honeypot on Oct 26, 2014 18:44:10 GMT
I would ring your hunt, depending whether they have a wastes carrier license they will shoot in the field and then take the body away, my local hunt charged £130 a month ago. Other hunts will shoot only at the kennels and that I think is about £80. There is a web site, www.nfsco.co.uk/, which will give you information about different alternatives.
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Post by sectiondcrazy on Oct 26, 2014 18:47:03 GMT
I lost my old boy in March while I was away on holiday to horrific colic . My vets bill was around £280 incl euthanasia ( the actual cost of putting him to sleep was actually only around £65 due to the huge ammounts of pain killers and sedatives he'd had before hand) however I made the choice to have him back.....the vets arranged for Brent Carter to come and pick him up and my mum and dad had to pay upfront. It cost £600 to have an individual cremation and have him back in a beautiful mahogany box with his name on and that included picking him up. I was very fortunate that I was in a position to be able to do this Sending hugs to you whatever you decide xxxxxxxx
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Post by judyh on Oct 26, 2014 20:31:13 GMT
I would always use the hunt. The horse feels and knows nothing. One mare I had would have been upset at injection as she hated anything like that. I had one pony PTS by injection but would not do it again unless an emergency meant my vet had to do it. They only inject now. My hunt was £130 earlier this year and there within an hour.
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Post by cloppy on Oct 26, 2014 23:13:28 GMT
sorry to hear your predicament. I think its the name "knacker man" that puts people off, but in my experience they are lovely considerate people. If you explain your fears they will put you at ease and if you don't feel able to hold him they will do it. It is very quick and they hit the floor before you hear the bang (sorry if that's tmi) They really don't have a clue whats coming. Big hugs what ever you decide.
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Post by thatboythatgirl on Oct 27, 2014 8:36:51 GMT
A friend had there horse but down the other day andwas surprised at how quick the injection nowadays is no double does needed like 10 or so years ago. Cremation wise you pay for what you get ours cost £750 this was individual cremation, casket and collection but the company don't use a winch to collect the remains which personally is the worst part of when a horse in PTS having seen what can happen! I've known others pay al ot less and its al ot rougher looking job
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Post by Awful decision on Oct 27, 2014 8:48:45 GMT
I've been unfortunate enough to lose two in the last 6 years, one from illness the othe from injury. It's heartbreaking. Both were done by injections by my vet who is the kindest Man walking. It was around £120. The disposal was £160. Our local disposal people are lovely, very kind and considerate. (Never bill immediately either. If I had to do it again I would use them to PTS as well. Nothing against my vet but the injection process takes a while, not necessarily for them to pass away, but getting a line in etc. it seems to prolong it. Our hunt will PTS but it's £160 and you have to take the horse to them. I would feel uncomfortable doing that, rather at home with a nice bucket of feed.
My thoughts are with you whatever you decide xx
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sarahp
Happy to help
Posts: 9,510
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Post by sarahp on Oct 27, 2014 8:53:44 GMT
Lots of info on here for the OP. Everyone is different, it's a question of which route you are happiest with, no right or wrong.
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justliloldme
Full Member
Christmas Ribbon Orders Rosettes/ sashes and hangers personalised
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Post by justliloldme on Oct 27, 2014 20:01:46 GMT
Straight cremation and collection with our knacker man who will shoot with captive bolt if preffered is £100 - his cremator only takes 1 horse or 2 small ponies so pretty much individual, we prefer to use the extra we would have paid in individual cremation to have horse hair momento, from what i recall injection of somulose is 80 - 90£ + sedation if needed, plus call out
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Post by orangetails on Oct 27, 2014 20:36:00 GMT
It's a few years now since I lost my old girl, but after lots (LOTS!) of research, I opted for having her shot by one of our local hunts - they also removed her body, and she was cremated, but I opted not to have the ashes returned.
I'll echo sarahp that there is no right or wrong here, whatever sits right with you morally and financially (sadly they are big, expensive animals, money does come into it for most people!) is right. There are pros and cons with all options as with anything to do with horses!
For me, my mare had seen very little of the vet, just her boosters and one colic episode, so she wasn't familiar with my vet - in fact I think we probably saw a different member from the practice each time! My research also led me to believe that in older horses particularly (mine was 32) their circulation can be compromised, so pts via injection can take longer than with a younger horse. They are also usually sedated first, and of course the costs are often more by the time you have added up sedation, the injection, call-out etc - plus removal/disposal.
My girl had hunted for years before I got her, so although I didn't massively like the idea of her being shot, it seemed the best thing for her - it was instant, she'd be going 'home' to the hunt, and they'd deal with the whole thing, including removal and cremation. A friend organised them for me, and paid them cash in advance - all I'd had to do was get the money out of my account and put it in an envelope. I know with vets you quite often get the bill landing on your mat a few days/weeks later which would have sent me to pieces :/
I was with my mare right til the end. I rode her first - carefully planned around the time the huntsman was coming so that she was still wired and happy after her ride - she'd been retired miserably in the field for several months due to arthritis, but that last day she had some extra bute and we had a glorious and very memorable ride in the autumn sunshine - that's what I remember, not the shooting. I take comfort that it was probably the same for her too - it was all over so very quickly and I am convinced she knew nothing of it.
If you want to be there at the end, it is worth knowing and preparing yourself for what to expect practically - I'm not going to type that here and now but will do if you ask for it.
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Post by orangetails on Oct 27, 2014 20:37:15 GMT
Re the passport, I wasn't asked for it, didn't have it with me on the day, and still have it in my desk now....
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Post by m1hht on Oct 27, 2014 20:49:36 GMT
If you have your own land you could have your horse buried. Cheaper than cremation. I've done that to quite a few of ours
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Post by fluteybeauty on Oct 27, 2014 22:24:52 GMT
I looked at options for a pony I took on as a bit of rescue knowing that May have been his future but hoped I could get him right for to loan out for a little girl to love he was the most fantastic mothers dream type pony before injury. As heartbroken as I was I don't make a habit of taken horses on in such circumstances he was only the second horse I have owned and I'd never had one euthanised I couldn't afford the luxury not to be practical but I know seeing his sad little face stressed loaded into a wagon to a abbitior would always haunt me and whilst I got the number and made the call just doing so tore me to pieces. Having worked on farms and livery yards I settled on the bullet the knackerman charged no more to do this himself with removal and cremated handled him with complete care and dignity and the pony who looked at me with such love and trust was none the wiser chewing his favourite polos in his stable
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 28, 2014 22:35:16 GMT
I lost my 28 yo cob in July. We made the decision to have him pts after a deterioration in his cushings and the start of lami. We booked the vet, Oakhill from Preston and the day was arranged. Oakhill were fab. Leona was our vet. She was absolutely wonderful. The cost was around 200. Tom died in a field full of lush grass surrounded by those he loved and who loved him. A local company to us, Brent Carter took tom away. We decided not to have his ashes back but have ordered some horsehair jewellery with his tail. I suppose it depends on the vet but Oakhill were perfect for us xx
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Post by Philippa on Oct 29, 2014 2:05:06 GMT
If you have your own land you could have your horse buried. Cheaper than cremation. I've done that to quite a few of ours Ssshhhh. That's actually illegal now!!!!
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Post by comanchediva on Oct 29, 2014 6:06:25 GMT
When the vet asked me if I wanted my old girl pts by shooting or the injection I cried as there was no way I was letting him shoot her. I chose the injection which was very very quick with no problems and this was about 13 years ago.
Big hugs to you whatever you decide. It was the single hardest decision I've ever had to make but you have to be brave for them x
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Post by pencaedu on Oct 29, 2014 7:02:25 GMT
Are you sure burial on own land is illegal? Horses count as pets, so thought that was still allowed?
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Post by Philippa on Oct 29, 2014 8:02:41 GMT
Are you sure burial on own land is illegal? Horses count as pets, so thought that was still allowed? I'm sure it is If you haven't got planning permission.
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Post by Philippa on Oct 29, 2014 8:08:44 GMT
Taken directly from www.gov.uk site Fallen stock information for horse owners According to the 2005 ABPR, horses are generally categorised as farm animals and their carcasses must be promptly disposed of at an approved site, in the same way as any other fallen stock. However you can ask your local Trading Standards officers, who are responsible for enforcing the ABPR, to treat your horse as a pet. If they agree, you may bury your horse, following your local Trading Standards guidelines. These are likely to require horse burial sites to: be at least 250 metres away from any well borehole or spring that supplies water be at least 30 metres from any other spring or watercourse, and at least 10 metres from a field drain have at least 1 metre of subsoil below the bottom of the burial pit, allowing a hole deep enough for at least 1 metre of soil to cover the carcass be free of water at the bottom of the hole, when first dug Find your local trading standards office on the Trading Standards Institute website. You may also dispose of your pet horse at a pet crematorium.
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Post by thatboythatgirl on Oct 29, 2014 8:46:22 GMT
Back in the 90's it was frowned up on burying horses on your land I remember the digger coming to dig the hole but he wasn't allowed to know what it was for
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Post by m1hht on Oct 29, 2014 9:59:42 GMT
Taken directly from www.gov.uk site Fallen stock information for horse owners According to the 2005 ABPR, horses are generally categorised as farm animals and their carcasses must be promptly disposed of at an approved site, in the same way as any other fallen stock. However you can ask your local Trading Standards officers, who are responsible for enforcing the ABPR, to treat your horse as a pet. If they agree, you may bury your horse, following your local Trading Standards guidelines. These are likely to require horse burial sites to: be at least 250 metres away from any well borehole or spring that supplies water be at least 30 metres from any other spring or watercourse, and at least 10 metres from a field drain have at least 1 metre of subsoil below the bottom of the burial pit, allowing a hole deep enough for at least 1 metre of soil to cover the carcass be free of water at the bottom of the hole, when first dug Find your local trading standards office on the Trading Standards Institute website. You may also dispose of your pet horse at a pet crematorium. Mine are all pets
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Post by Last week.... on Oct 29, 2014 10:33:09 GMT
I used the local hunt last week to pts my very old mare... She had gone down 10 mins before they where leaving the local area and they where fantastic, it was like it was ment to be. Very quick and they where very kind and considerate. I then had her in the ground with the mini digger in less than a hour regardless of legislation. I have done this with all ours...... Shhhhhsssss! Whilst its horrid playing god I think it's what we owe our old timers to ensure that they don't suffer.
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Post by switchblade82 on Oct 29, 2014 14:14:29 GMT
I know many people who lucky enough to own/rent their own land bury them. What they don't know won't hurt (unless someone tells). I am sure that would be every horse owners wish xx..................Until 10+ years later when the land is up for housing development.
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Post by fanfarefan on Oct 29, 2014 14:15:56 GMT
Under EU rules it is illegal to bury horse , however the UK still regard them as pets , therefore you can still bury them you have to make sure that you are a certain distance from a running water course , but other than that it IS still legal to bury horses !!!
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Post by Original poster on Oct 29, 2014 14:18:04 GMT
Thank you all so much for your advice and support. It is so comforting to hear other peoples experiences and to get an idea of the reality of different options.
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