Introduction

Disposal of deceased horses is an important issue that horse owners should plan ahead for in order to avoid emotional and financial stress when the necessity arises.
 

Horses may need to be destroyed at short notice as a result of accident, illness or injjury. Disposal of deceased horses both on-property and off-property should be considered.
 

Burying horses in watershed areas is not encouraged as the decomposition process can lead to pollutants leaching into groundwater,
 

Steps to achieve best practice

Suggested actions are:

• Discuss with the family ahead of time what you would like to happen and prioritise options. This may include:-
  • burial on the property,
  • burial off property,
  • euthanasia by your veterinary surgeon,
  • commercial stock collection and disposal service,
  • transport to a slaughterhouse,
  • cremation, or
  • prior arrangement with the zoo, hunt club kennels or other business which may have requirements for a deceased horse.
• Deceased horses can be appropriately buried on the property. When selecting a burial sites:
  • check with your local council as to its requirements,
  • avoid environmental impacts - locate as far away from watercourses and sources, drainage lines and shallow groundwater as possible, and
  • ensure there is enough space and spacing of pits for the number of burials required.

 

 
Plan ahead for old horses.

Links

• Horse SA: www.horsesa.asn.au
• Disposal of horses in SA: http://www.mlrcp.sa.gov.au/services.html