PULLMAN, WA — Washington State University has suspended the equine portion 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 for students, faculty, staff, and animals. As a result, the eight horses that would have been brought to campus for the course this spring will no longer be used. Students enrolled in the elective will still receive full credit for work already completed.

WSU said the move also aligns with a transition already planned by the college. In 2025, the College of Veterinary Medicine determined that the equine component of the elective would be discontinued after the Spring 2026 term.

University officials said students will continue to gain surgical experience through clinical training opportunities and advanced simulation technologies that reflect evolving practices in veterinary medical education.

WSU stated that its animal welfare program follows federal and professional standards, including the Animal Welfare Act, U.S. Department of Agriculture policies, and guidelines from the American Veterinary Medical Association. The university said all research and teaching activities involving animals are reviewed through established oversight processes intended to ensure humane care.

Animal rights organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has also criticized the veterinary training program, urging the university to halt the use of live animals in surgical training and instead rely on simulation models and clinical training opportunities. The group also said sanctuaries had offered to provide homes for animals that might otherwise have been used in the course.

In a statement, university leadership acknowledged the strong public reaction surrounding the course and said the institution respects differing views on animal welfare while remaining focused on student safety and veterinary education.