A Meaningful Way to Say Goodbye

Had this come through in my inbox and thought I would share. We don't have anyone that's ready to say goodbye but for anyone that might, here's some information.

A Meaningful Way to Say Goodbye

While end of life decisions are always difficult, if you have decided that it is time to humanely euthanize your horse due to incurable medical or health reasons (e.g. chronic lameness) and want to contribute to an important research project, please contact Dr. Krishona Martinson (krishona@umn.edu) or Dr. Alex Bianco (bian0031@umn.edu) at the University of Minnesota (UMN). 

Adult horses would require transportation by the owner to the UMN Piper Equine Hospital on April 30, 2020. After euthanasia, owners would have the opportunity to donate the body to be used for the on-going equine carcass compost research project. Horses may be of any age or breed but should be of standard size (approximately 1,000 lbs) and safe to trailer and handle. The cost of the euthanasia appointment will be approximately $250. The UMN will cover costs associated with transportation to the compost site and composting. Identifying information of owners and horses will be kept confidential. Horse carcasses will be treated with the utmost respect and will help advance our knowledge of equine carcass composting and help educate owners, professionals, and agency personnel. For more information about the equine carcass composting research project, click here. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, owners will not be allowed to enter the hospital at the time of humane euthanasia and changes in date and location may need to occur.