Suggestions for Humane Disposal of Horse Remains

The Humane Society of the United States Releases List of Humane Options for Disposal of Horse Remains


The Humane Society of the United States released a national list of humane resources for horse owners making end-of-life arrangements for their equine companions.

"Providing a humane, dignified death for your horse is simply responsible horse ownership," said Keith Dane, The Humane Society of the United States' director of equine protection. "No one likes to think about the death of a beloved companion, but planning ahead is key to understanding your options. This resource list gives horse owners the information they need to plan effectively."

The list includes state-by-state information on low-cost euthanasia programs, equine crematories, horse cemeteries, rendering facilities and landfills. State agriculture and veterinary contacts and state regulations are also included.

A recent survey of equine veterinarians and carcass disposal service providers indicated it costs about $300 for humane euthanasia and carcass disposal. In most parts of the country, this cost is equal to or less than the cost of one month's care. With proper care, horses can live well into their 20s and 30s. The latest available data shows there are more than 9 million horses in the United States, making this resource a valuable tool for the millions of Americans involved with horses.

The Humane Society of the United States is providing this list because, due to variations in laws and the availability of services across the country, horse owners often don't know their options when it comes to disposing of their horse's remains. With hundreds of listings for service providers across the country, this tool will ease the burden of seeking out disparate sources of information. It is expected that the list will grow over time, as the public and service providers become aware of this resource. Vendors who wish to have their information added to the list should contact Marika O'Brien at mobrien@hsus.org.

This resource is part of The Humane Society of the United States' Horses: Companions for Life program. The program aims to educate the general public and new, prospective and current horse owners about responsible horse ownership and companionship. Published last year, "The Humane Society of the United States Complete Guide to Horse Care" is the keystone of the program.

State of Georgia
Note: This list is not exhaustive and will change over time.

State Veterinarian: Dr. Lee M. Meyers, lmyers@agr.state.ga.us
USDA Cooperative Extension Service: www.csrees.usda.gov/Extension/

State Regulations:

Ga. Code Ann. § 4-5-5. Methods of disposal of dead animals
Methods which can be used for disposal of dead animals are burning, incineration, burial, rendering, or any method using appropriate disposal technology which has been approved by the Commissioner of Agriculture. Disposal of dead animals by any of the approved methods must be completed within 24 hours after death or discovery. Dead animals that are buried must be buried at least three feet below the ground level, have not less than three feet of earth over the carcass, and must not contaminate ground water or surface water.

Euthanasia Programs:

University of Georgia
Veterinary Teaching Hospital
Athens, GA 30602
706-542-3223
www.uga.edu

Equine Cemetery Services:

Equine Cremation & Burial Services-Deceased Pet Care
2691 Harbins Road SE
Bethlehem, GA 30620
770-995-8862
www.deceasedpetcare.com/equine-cremation-services.html

Equine Crematory Services:

Ashes to Ashes Pet Cremation (serves the Continental U.S.)
22331 590th Street
Pomeroy, IA 50575
712-358-2600:
www.ncn.net/~scottdev

Equine Cremation & Burial Services-Deceased Pet Care
2691 Harbins Road SE
Bethlehem, GA 30620
770-995-8862
www.deceasedpetcare.com/equinecreamations.html

Memorial Pet Care (serves the Continental U.S.)
654 E. King Street
Meridian, ID 83642
208-887-7669
www.memorialpetcare.com

Rendering/Carcass Disposal:

Equine Carcass Removal & Cremation Services
2691 Harbins Road SE
Bethlehem, GA 30620
770-995-8862

Griffin Industries
4413 E Tanners Church Conn
Ellenwood, GA 30294-2365
404-363-1320

Landfills that Accept Equine Carcasses:

* Waste Management ® accepts equine carcasses at some but not all locations. To find out if your local Waste Management location will take horse carcasses, please contact them: www.wm.com; 800-963-4776

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