Destruction. After an accident in the backcountry it is usually the case that no veterinarian is available. Every one connected with horses should know where a horse or mule must be shot to put him out of pain instantaneously. The bullet should pass through the brain and top vertebrae of the neck. The center of the brain is situated beneath a point of intersection of two lines drawn from the base of the right ear to the top of the left eye and vice versa. The bullet should travel approximately horizontal. The range should be short enough to make missing the correct spot practically impossible. If the horse is lying so that it is difficult to shoot on the correct point in his head, a shot at the back of the ear directed towards the brain will accomplish the task instantaneously. Make certain no one is standing near the horse in case of a ricochet.
Carcass. The carcass of a horse or mule presents several problems. First, the unsightly mess of a dead and decaying horse near a trail is unpleasant to all forest visitors and may spook other stock using the same trail. Second, the danger of an unsuspecting trail user being ambushed by a bear feeding on the carcass. Third, possible pollution of water sources.
The horse owner or user has an obligation to reduce or eliminate the above problems. It is simply not acceptable to leave a dead horse or mule where it presents any of the problems listed. Over a period of time the elements and scavengers will reduce a carcass to the bones. In some places this will be acceptable, in other situations it will not be. The first attempt should be to move the animal prior to destroying it, to a suitable location far from trails, camps, and water sources. When this is not possible it will be necessary to remove the carcass. To remove the carcass may require it to be dismembered. An alternative method is to use explosives. Twenty pounds or more are required and can only be used with the authority and supervision of the land agency.
In summary the horse owner or user has the responsibility to properly
dispose of an animal killed in an accident or destroyed as a result of
injuries. If you have questions or concerns, contact the land agency.
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