What Exactly is Dehorning?

In 2008, the free trade of rhino horn was banned. Just a year before the passing of the law, in 2007, 13 rhinos were poached. That number skyrocketed to 1,800 killed in 2014. From 2008 to 2021, an average of three rhino were killed each day decreasing the overall population by 90%.

A rhino uses its horn for defense, to dig up food, and to attract potential mates. The male bulls use it to defend territory and females from other dominant males. The females use it to protect their calves.
Asian countries use it in medicinal remedies that claim to cure everything from a cough to cancer. It Vietnam they use it as a hangover remedy. In Chinese medicine it is a prized aphrodisiac. There is a new trend of displaying a full rhino horn in the home to elevate your social status.

The only way to save the rhino is to remove the allure. By dehorning a rhino, you decrease its value and very well may save its life. Some say it’s cruel to remove a part intended to be there by nature and evolution. But isn’t having a horn hacked off its face after it has been shot, and may or may not still be alive, even crueler? Isn’t a careful, meticulously planned veterinary procedure aimed to be as quick as possible better than a brutal death?

  • Animals are darted with a sedative, either from a helicopter or on foot, depending on the rhino and the size of the reserve.
  • Once the sedative takes effect and the rhino lies down, a blindfold and earplugs are placed on the rhino to reduce stress to stimuli.
  • Blood can be taken, dewormer given, or any other necessary veterinary procedure required. Measurements are taken for the reserve’s research and records. Breathing and heart rate are closely monitored.
  • The dehorning process, with either a Sawzall, chainsaw, or handsaw, removes the bulk of the horn.
  • The reversal drug is given and within minutes, the rhino is alert and moving.

A 2022 study in Namibia found no long-term side effects and no population productivity changes in a study of black rhino as a result of dehorning.

Dehorning isn’t a failsafe guarantee. There is still a stub of horn left behind that may be enough enticement for a desperate poacher. Rhinos need to be dehorned every 1-2 years.

Dehorning must be combined with excellent security on reserves to ensure the best success.

Veterinary Conservation Coalition stands behind reserve owners and prioritizes rhino dehorning in funding.

VCC: Several individuals treating a sedated elephant, focusing on medical procedures with visible instruments for animal welfare.
VCC: Hand holding a cross-section of a tree trunk that features a distinct, dark heart-shaped pattern in its rings, symbolizing the importance of animal welfare in natural environments.
VCC: Close-up of a rhinoceros horn with its eye covered by a blindfold, indicating a dehorning or veterinary procedure.
VCC: A sedated rhinoceros lying on the ground with its eyes and horns covered by a black cloth, secured with blue rope, in a dry, dusty area undergoing dehorning for animal welfare
Categories: Rhinos

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