Greater clarity for vets over euthanasia of insured horses

THE British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has reviewed and updated its Guidelines

for the Euthanasia of Insured Horses.

The guidance will help practicing veterinary surgeons ensure good welfare is prioritised throughout the necessary euthanasia of horses insured for mortality ('all risks mortality' cover).

Developed in response to a need for updated clarity and consistency in matters potentially

involving euthanasia, the review was conducted by BEVA, incorporating the expertise of vets

as well as representatives from the insurance industry.

The new guidelines reflect developments over the past 15 years. Pic credit: CVS

It retains the welfare of the horse firmly at the centre of all veterinary decisions.

The guidelines have been specifically written as a practical resource for vets working in the

field. However, it is anticipated that it will also be a valuable reference document for horse

owners, insurers, trainers, and event and race organisers seeking to better understand

potentially complex scenarios.

The structure of the guidelines - notably the List of Conditions - reflects updates in veterinary

science and clinical knowledge over the past 15 years.

It covers examination procedures, protocols for definite and suspected grounds for emergency euthanasia, as well as defining where there may not be grounds for emergency euthanasia.

It also addresses the management of cases of chronic disease and/or pain with negligible prospect of recovery.

Whilst the list is not exhaustive, it aims to include all the scenarios which are likely to be

encountered by vets working in equine practice in the UK.

Ian Beamish, who led BEVA’s guidelines working group, said: "The veterinary surgeon’s

primary responsibility is undoubtably to ensure the welfare of the horse, regardless of

whether the horse is insured.

"The new guidelines are a modernised version of the outdated 2009 guidelines, with a carefully revised List of Conditions and their prognoses, updated language, and revised protocols on grounds for euthanasia.

"It is important to note that whilst we may advise euthanasia, we may not advise on the

insurance policy conditions; this is a matter for the insured and insurer to discuss.

"We are grateful to the vets and insurance industry representatives who contributed to the

development of the guidelines. Their input has been invaluable in helping to create a

modern, practical, welfare-focused resource for the profession."

While written specifically for vets, the new guidelines have been approved and adopted by

the members of the Equine Insurance Providers Group and may be referred to (verbally and

in policy documents) by these insurers. 

The new guidelines can be found here https://www.beva.org.uk/euthanasia-guidelines-for-

insured-horses