Real-Life Decision Making -- Solution
You have the pony put to sleep.
This is the real-life decision made by horse breeder Marianne Alexander.
She says though the decision is always emotionally tough, an animal in pain should be put to sleep. Painkillers would only delay the problem.
"That would [temporarily] ease his pain, but it won't change anything," she says. "Finally, you say this pony has to be put to sleep. It's just not right for something to have to walk around in pain for 20 years."
Alexander says it's natural to feel attached to animals, especially horses. That's what makes the decision so emotional.
"He's much loved, and he's as sweet as can be, and you do it," she says. "You do it, because it's the humane thing to do."
Plus, it's hard to make money animal breeding, especially in the highly competitive horse world. Maintaining a lame horse can put a breeder out of business.