| The responsibilities of owning a horse are toughest when the time comes to arrange the humane destruction of the animal. Although it's something every owner hopes will not have to happen, it should be considered and planned for even before a horse is purchased - though hopefully the plans will never have to be put into practice. One of the big issues today is the high cost of carcass disposal. Average cost is around £200 but in areas where knacker men are rare, the cost can rise to £400. "If you can't afford to meet the costs of the inevitable disposal of your horse at the end of its life, then either don't buy the horse in the first place or put the money aside on day one, in a special account," says Paul Jepson, chief executive and resident veterinary surgeon at The Horse Trust. Mr Jepson understands that owners need reassuring that they are doing the right thing when they decide to have a horse put down. "The vet can give practical advice for health and welfare reasons but emotionally the decision is much harder to make," he says. "Many of the phone calls we get at The Horse Trust involve helping a horse owner come to terms with the need to make this painful decision." The Trust is resolute that the long-term interests and welfare of the horse must outweigh every other consideration. There are many reasons why a horse may have to be put down, including serious injury or illness, permanent unsoundness or progressively degenerative conditions, even old age when good quality of life in retirement is unlikely - but whatever the circumstances the horse's welfare must come first. The Trust publishes a helpful leaflet "Humane Destruction". This explains the different methods of humane destruction, crucial legal points which must be observed, the options for disposal, including specialist cremation, and insurance claims. It also advises how to ensure that the horse endures least possible stress and ends its life calm and pain-free. "Losing a horse or pony is often as devastating as the loss of a family member and it can take a long time to come to terms with this," says Mr Jepson. "People should not be afraid or embarrassed to seek support or counselling and details on bereavement counselling can be obtained from the Citizens' Advice Bureau." For more information, please click here
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