Humane Society of the United States Releases List of Humane Options for Disposal of Equines

The Humane Society of the United States released a national list of humane resources for horse owners making end-of-life arrangements for their equine companions.

"Providing a humane, dignified death for your horse is simply responsible horse ownership," said Keith Dane, The Humane Society of the United States' director of equine protection. "No one likes to think about the death of a beloved companion, but planning ahead is key to understanding your options. This resource list gives horse owners the information they need to plan effectively."

The list includes state-by-state information on low-cost euthanasia programs, equine crematories, horse cemeteries, rendering facilities and landfills. State agriculture and veterinary contacts and state regulations are also included.

A recent survey of equine veterinarians and carcass disposal service providers indicated it costs about $300 for humane euthanasia and carcass disposal. In most parts of the country, this cost is equal to or less than the cost of one month's care. With proper care, horses can live well into their 20s and 30s. The latest available data shows there are more than 9 million horses in the United States, making this resource a valuable tool for the millions of Americans involved with horses.

The Humane Society of the United States is providing this list because, due to variations in laws and the availability of services across the country, horse owners often don't know their options when it comes to disposing of their horse's remains. With hundreds of listings for service providers across the country, this tool will ease the burden of seeking out disparate sources of information. It is expected that the list will grow over time, as the public and service providers become aware of this resource. Vendors who wish to have their information added to the list should contact Marika O'Brien at mobrien@hsus.org.

This resource is part of The Humane Society of the United States' Horses: Companions for Life program. The program aims to educate the general public and new, prospective and current horse owners about responsible horse ownership and companionship. Published last year, "The Humane Society of the United States Complete Guide to Horse Care" is the keystone of the program.

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization Ñ backed by 11 million Americans, or one of every 28. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty Ñ On the web at humanesociety.org.