Disposal of dead animals including pets

Normally, owners will take back their dead pet and either bury it or have it cremated.

What you must do

If you dispose of dead animals you must make sure that the disposal complies with the requirements of the Animal by-products regulations (ABPR).

You can find further information on the requirements of the ABPR in our animal by-products guidance.

Animal by-products and food waste

You must not bury or burn dead animals.

Pet owners can bury their own pets, provided that the pet is one normally kept as a pet, such as dogs and cats. Animals such as sheep and goats, which are primarily kept as farm animals cannot be buried. Even if they are kept as pets, they must be disposed of by an approved route.

If owners do not wish to have their pets returned to them, you should use an authorised waste transporter/carrier to dispose of dead animals. You have a duty of care to make sure they are disposed of at an authorised animal crematorium or pet cemetery.

Animal carcasses from agriculture (including horses)

For information on disposing of animal carcasses from agriculture see our guidance on: Animal carcass disposal

SEE ALSO: GPP 24 Stables, kennels and catteries