WSU Suspends Equine Portion of Veterinary Surgery Course

University cites safety concerns for students, faculty, staff, and animals amid public backlash

Mar. 17, 2026 at 5:13am

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Washington State University has suspended the equine component of an elective large animal surgery course in its College of Veterinary Medicine after receiving a surge of threatening and hostile communications tied to the class. University officials said the decision was made due to safety concerns and that the eight horses that would have been brought to campus will no longer be used. Students enrolled in the elective will still receive full credit for work already completed.

Why it matters

The move comes amid growing public scrutiny of the use of live animals in veterinary education, with animal rights groups like PETA urging universities to rely more on simulation models and clinical training opportunities. WSU says its animal welfare program follows federal and professional standards, but the university acknowledged the strong public reaction surrounding the course.

The details

WSU said the suspension of the equine portion aligns with a transition already planned by the college, as the equine component of the elective was set to be discontinued after the Spring 2026 term. The university stated that students will continue to gain surgical experience through other clinical training opportunities and advanced simulation technologies.

  • The equine component of the elective large animal surgery course was suspended in Spring 2026.
  • The equine portion of the course was set to be discontinued after the Spring 2026 term.

The players

Washington State University

A public research university located in Pullman, Washington, that offers a College of Veterinary Medicine.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)

An animal rights organization that has criticized WSU's veterinary training program and urged the university to halt the use of live animals in surgical training.

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What they’re saying

“We must respect differing views on animal welfare while remaining focused on student safety and veterinary education.”

— WSU Leadership

What’s next

The university says it will continue to provide students with surgical experience through clinical training opportunities and advanced simulation technologies.

The takeaway

This decision highlights the ongoing debate around the use of live animals in veterinary education, with universities like WSU balancing student safety, animal welfare, and evolving teaching practices in the field.