Potential Gunshot Methods for Euthanasia of Horses

Computed tomography revealed that all firearm-ammunition combinations caused disruption of the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem that appeared sufficient to result in instantaneous death of a live horse. Hollowpoint ammunition was as effective as solid-core ammunition with regard to brain tissue disruption. Brain tissue disruption was not affected by head positioning.

The results of the present study should be interpreted with caution because there is no best firearm, ammunition, and operator combination that would result in successful euthanasia in all situations. Selection of an appropriate firearm-ammunition combination with sufficient muzzle energy to produce the desired disruption of the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem with the least risk of backspatter or projectile exit would be the most judicious. Further research is necessary to determine the optimal method of euthanasia for all animals, especially in situations involving depopulation of high numbers of large animals.

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