Washington State University (WSU) has decided to end its elective large animal surgery course earlier than planned due to safety concerns and threats following an online campaign opposing the euthanasia of eight horses and 60 goats used in the training. The campaign, widely shared on social media and supported by groups like PETA, urged the university to cancel the lab and adopt out the animals instead, while advocating for modern, ethical training alternatives. WSU reported receiving a high volume of threatening communications and determined it could not safely continue the equine surgery component this spring.

The university had already been planning to discontinue the program and emphasized that students will still gain essential surgical experience through clinical training and advanced simulation technologies. PETA praised WSU’s decision, highlighting the public pressure that led to the cancellation and expressing willingness to help the university transition away from animal-killing labs, including the goat laboratory. Students will receive credit for the coursework they have completed so far.