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Wisconsin horse owners face tough choices when putting down animal

Posted at 5:57 AM, Jul 09, 2018
and last updated 2018-07-09 10:18:41-04

OCONOMOWOC -- An equine veterinarian says they received several calls from confused horse owners about the options they now have when putting their horse down.

They have learned the large animals will no longer be picked up by a renderer if the horse has been given the euthanasia drug, sodium pentobarbital.

Dr. Rachel Bourne tells TODAY'S TMJ4 this all is related to the widespread recall of dog food that was found to have traces of euthanasia. Pet food manufacturing plants will no longer take them if given the drug.

"The reality is the FDA has not allowed sodium pentobarbital in animal food, ever," explained Dr. Bourne with Wisconsin Equine Clinic & Hospital.

Dr. Bourne says owners now have two choices: Use euthanasia and then cremate the animal which is costly, or have it shot. While humane, this route is hard on the owners.

The hospital & clinic has found a way to help owners find group cremation services at a reasonable price if they chose euthanasia. Click here to reach them.

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