Humane Shooting

A licensed professional may put a horse down using a suitable firearm. The Equine End of Life Service utilises our professional and caring collectors who can facilitate this option.

In some instances, and at the owner’s discretion and responsibility, it may be necessary to sedate your equine.   When the time is right, a single shot will be administered in the centre of the forehead.  Death will be instantaneous, and the horse will immediately fall to the ground, so for safety reasons, owners are unable to hold their horses at this moment.  The gun will be loud and there may be a small amount of blood, at the entry point of the bullet. After death the horse’s reflex actions in its muscles will twitch or spasm and their legs may kick.  Your horse’s heart may continue to beat for a short time, however this is normal and the horse is not suffering during these reflex actions.