Why people used to shoot their horses when they broke their legs: A barbaric habit of the past

You have probably heard that horse owners shot their horses when they broke their legs.

Now this barbaric habit is gone, but it is still interesting to know what is behind it.

Let's find out more.

Severity of the injury

A horse's leg is a vital component of its locomotion, and a broken leg was often viewed as a severe and debilitating injury. 

Given the size and weight of horses, the chances of a full recovery were deemed slim.

Limited treatment options

Advances in veterinary medicine were not as extensive in the past compared to what is available today. 

Treating a horse with a broken leg was challenging, and the options for successful surgical intervention or long-term rehabilitation were limited.

Welfare considerations

Shooting a horse was seen as a swift and humane method of euthanasia. 

It was believed to be a more compassionate approach to end the suffering of the animal, considering the perceived lack of viable treatment options for the injury.

Economic factors

Horses were commonly used for work, transportation, and other tasks vital to human society. 

The cost and effort required to treat a horse with a broken leg were often considered impractical and financially burdensome. 

Euthanizing the horse was seen as a more efficient solution, both in terms of resources and time.
 

• Related news:
• history
• horses
• tradition
• animal facts
• 21 June 2023

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