Horses

(asked on 10th July 2014) - View Source

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many horses owned by his Department were subject to euthanasia in (a) 2012-13 and 2013-14; and what the reason was for euthanasia in each case.


Answered by
Anna Soubry Portrait
Anna Soubry
This question was answered on 21st July 2014

Decisions to euthanise any animal in military service are only taken by a veterinarian officer after all possible treatment avenues have been exhausted and where it is considered to be the most humane option for the animal. The only other scenario where an animal would be euthanised is where it is considered to pose a risk to public safety

The tables show the number of military working horses that have been euthanised during 2012-13 and 2013-14, and the reasons for doing so:

2012-13

Reason

Number

Colic

6

Dangerous temperament

1

Fractured tibia

2

Ligament injury

1

Navicular syndrome

2

Navicular syndrome and arthritis

2

Neoplasia

2

Neurological Disease

1

Osteoarthritis

4

Osteoarthritis & chronic ligament injury

1

Poor foot condition

1

Severe rotation both front feet

1

Tendon Injury

1

Total

25

2013-14

Reason

Number

Chronic Lymphangitis

1

Dangerous temperament

1

Fractured tibia

1

Ligament injury

3

Navicular syndrome

2

Navicular syndrome and arthritis

1

Neurological Disease

1

Osteoarthritis

4

Poor foot condition

1

Ruptured artery after treatment for injury

1

Total

16

Reticulating Splines