Destruction Of Wild Horses And Burros And Disposal Of Remains (Public)

Destruction Of Wild Horses And Burros And Disposal Of Remains (Public) - Blm Manual Page 3

4730 – DESTRUCTION OF WILD HORSES AND BURROS

AND DISPOSAL OF REMAINS (PUBLIC)

.1 Destruction. Final decisions regarding the euthanasia of a wild horse or burro rest solely

with the authorized officer (43 CFR 4730). Whenever it is necessary to humanely destroy a wild

horse or burro, the destruction shall be accomplished using methods identified as acceptable by

the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). (Refer to AVMA Guidelines on

Euthanasia, June 2007).

.11 Old, Sick, and Lame Animals.

A. When necessary, the euthanasia of captured wild horses and burros shall be carried

out by veterinarians or other trained individuals approved by the authorized officer, using

methods acceptable to the AVMA.

B. Free-roaming wild horses or burros on the public lands that are found to be old, sick

or lame may be destroyed as an act of mercy by firearm by the authorized officer or by an

individual approved by the authorized officer.

.12 Public View. In 1986, an AVMA Panel on Euthanasia stated: “The distress

experienced by people when observing euthanasia or death in any form is an emotional response

dependent on the background of the observer … this distress may be minimized by perfection of

the technique of euthanasia.” Individuals involved in destruction of wild horses and burros must

be trained in acceptable euthanasia techniques and should, in consideration of observers’

sensibilities, destroy animals away from public view, whenever possible.

BLM Manual

Rel. 4-114

Supersedes Rel.4-92

07/07/2010

Destruction Of Wild Horses And Burros And Disposal Of Remains (Public) - Blm Manual Page 3