“The animal needs words, comfort”: how to better support the death of farm animals

Hhonoring your animal means being present for them until their last breath.”states veterinarian Marie-Christine Favé. On November 18 and 19, she is leading training on the theme “The death of animals in farming”.

Organized by the Idées de Saint-Affrique association, it is aimed only at breeders of suckling, dairy or working animals. And takes place on the Alcas farm in Saint-Jean-et-Saint-Paul with Marie Gangneux, a sheep breeder. Marie-Christine Favé continues: “In a society where death is hidden, it is difficult for breeders to talk about it. The same goes for the aging of their animals, let them die peacefully or intervene?”

Marion Quintard, from the Idées association and organizer of the event, specifies: “This training includes theoretical contributions (physiology, ethology, psychology, etc.), immersion and individual and group work on the death process. It can accommodate a maximum of fifteen people, eligible for funds for the training of living entrepreneurs. Accommodation is possible and no prerequisites are necessary.”

Ritual of yesteryear

The veterinarian explains: “In the past, the death of animals intended for sacrifice, that is to say to be eaten, was part of a ritual. Today, the accompaniment of the breeders’ animals most of the time stops at the truck which takes them to the slaughterhouse The slaughterhouse staff notice that the animals prepared for sacrifice, by informing them several days in advance, by driving them as far as possible, their behavior changes and on the big day, they move on. alone at the barrier and obediently get into the truck. The ideal is for the breeder to form an alliance with them.

“The aim of this training is to understand the processes of animal death. For example, an elderly cow declines and becomes ill. When possible, I advise natural death. The animal feels that it is going to leave, he only needs words of comfort and to be accompanied by his owner”specifies Marie-Christine Favé.

Broken leg

What about death by accident? A breeder notices a leg broken by a wild dog on one of his sheep. What to do? Has the point of no return been reached? Listen to the veterinarian who advocates euthanasia? Plaster the leg and give this sheep a few more years but is lame?

“This training helps breeders to make a good decision through understanding the animal world. To make the right choice at the right time and to find the courage to accept death. At the time of euthanasia, the animal puts him to sleep but feels everything. Because a mammal feels the same emotions as us humans. The ideal is to reassure him in this difficult moment by accompanying him. The veterinarian adds: “Thanks to my experience, I can analyze the experience that the breeders share during the training. They leave autonomous and more serene in the face of the death of their animals.”

Contact association Idées on 05 65 49 28 83 and [email protected]