Kindest option for a bereaved horse ‘may be to put it down’

PuTTING down horses that lose their closest companion might be the kindest thing for them due to the depression bereavement can cause the animals, a study suggests.

Experts say euthanasia on mental health grounds should be considered ‘if your horse has looked miserable for a long time’.

The World Horse Welfare charity backed the idea – although RSPCA regulations state animals should not be put down unless it is in their ‘best interest’.

Dr Catherine Bell, from Equine Behaviour and Training Association – which commissioned the research – said ‘an awful lot of horses’ face welfare concerns where euthanasia should be an option. Speaking to Horse and Hound magazine, she said: ‘We’re not suggesting the minute your horse looks a bit miserable you should be putting him or her down. But if your horse has looked miserable for a long time... this is something that should be looked at.’

The study – published in the journal Animals – found horses can suffer ‘[among various physical issues] weight loss and stress following the loss of a companion’.

The RSPCA says introducing a new pal could help horses suffering bereavement.

However, a charity spokesman said vets ‘may determine an animal’s well-being is so seriously impacted by their mental health... it’s impossible to ensure them a good quality of life’. They added: ‘If this is the case... the kindest option [may be] to put them to sleep rather than let them endure a lifetime of suffering.’