Killing of equidae

Abstract

Putting equidae to death demands a high sense of responsibility on the part of those carrying out the euthanasia. The article informs about the demands set by animal welfare, consumer protection, criminal law, insurance law and the demands set by the actual realisation of the killing. Just as is done with dogs and cats, equidae whose passport designates them as "not intended for food production" must be fed, housed and taken care of for their entire lifespan in a way that corresponds to their nature and their needs (Sec. 17 no. 1 in connection with Sec. 2 of the German Animal Welfare Act [TierSchG]). An exception to this rule is emergency killing i.e. the killing of an animal due to veterinary indications ("irremediable pain or suffering" according to Sec. 3 no. 2 and Sec. 9 paragraph 2 no. 8 TierSchG). From an ethical perspective, it is the responsibility of both the animal owner and the veterinarian to put an end to the irremediable suffering of the animal through euthanasia; furthermore, veterinarians also carry an indirect legal responsibility due to the provisions of the Animal Welfare Act. The article gives fifteen examples of veterinary indications for euthanizing equidae and elucidates its professional realisation.