Chemical immobilisation and temporary confinement of two Kaimanawa feral stallions

Authors: Stafford KJ, Austin T, Cameron EZ, Linklater WL
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 46, Issue 3, pp 117-118, Jun 1998
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Horse, Livestock
Subject Terms: Animal handling, Feral animal, Treatment/therapy
Article class: Correspondence

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Abstract: The adverse public reaction to the shooting and mustering of Kaimanawa feral horses (Department of Conservation, 1995) prompted a suggestion that anaesthetising horses using a dart might be a more humane method of immobilising and moving them. Horses in the Argo Basin have been the subject of observational studies since 1994 and they are habituated to the close proximity of people. As part of a research programme to investigate the social structure of breeding groups (Linklater et al., 199 6), two stallions were anaesthetised, removed from their breeding groups and held in yards during December 1996. Stallion behaviour during chemical immobilisation, captivity and release until they rejoined their respective breeding groups was recorded. A representative from the Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals observed all stages of the proceedure to provide independent assessments of horse welfare, and veterinary expertise was available at all times. The subordinate stallions were…

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