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Showing posts with label plan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label plan. Show all posts

Monday, August 10, 2009

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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Thursday, September 4, 2008

Plan for Your Pets in Case of Emergency

AAG Note: With all the hurricane threats upon us, please remember to plan for your pets in case you have to evacuate. Here are some tips from the Humane Society of the United States.

The HSUS urges residents to check their local Web sites such as the Florida State Agricultural Response team, flsart.org, the Georgia Emergency Management Agency, gema.state.ga.us, North Carolina State Animal Response Team, ncsart.org and the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, scemd.org for updated information. Availability at shelters can be limited and residents are strongly urged to be self sufficient in caring for their families, including their animals.

The failure to plan for your pets' safety can lead to tragedy. Luckily, many lessons were learned after Hurricane Katrina where residents were forced to abandon dogs, cats and other animals by the tens of thousands. Early planning and coordinated evacuation plans avoided a repeat of Katrina during Hurricane Gustav. You can take simple steps to ensure that your pets will not be left in a dangerous situation.

A pet disaster kit should include:

· A three-day supply of food and drinking water, as well as bowls, cat litter and a container to be used as a litter box.

· Current photos and descriptions of pets.

· Up-to-date identification, including an additional tag with the phone number of someone out of the area in the event the pet becomes lost.

· Medications, medical records and a first aid kit stored in a waterproof container.

· Sturdy leashes, harnesses and carriers to transport pets safely as well as blankets or towels for bedding and warmth. Carriers should be large enough to comfortably house your pet for several hours or even days.

Evacuation planning for large animals should include:

· Evacuate animals as soon as possible. Be ready to leave once the evacuation is ordered. In a slowly evolving disaster, such as a hurricane, leave no later than 72 hours before anticipated landfall, especially if you will be hauling a high profile trailer such as a horse trailer. Remember: Even a fire truck fully loaded with water is considered "out of service" in winds exceeding 40 mph. If there are already high winds, it may not be possible to evacuate safely.

· Arrange for a place to shelter your animals. Plan ahead and work within your community to establish safe shelters for farm animals.

· Contact your local emergency management authority and become familiar with at least two possible evacuation routes well in advance.

· Set up safe transportation. Trucks, trailers, and other vehicles suitable for transporting large animals (appropriate for transporting each specific type of animal) should be available, along with experienced handlers and drivers.

· Take all your disaster supplies with you or make sure they will be available at your evacuation site. You should have or be able to readily obtain feed, water, veterinary supplies, handling equipment, tools and generators if necessary.

· If your animals are sheltered off your property, make sure they remain in the groupings they are used to. Also, be sure they are securely contained and sheltered from the elements if necessary, whether in cages, fenced-in areas, or buildings.

· Place horses' Coggins tests, veterinary papers, identification photographs, and vital information—such as medical history, allergies, and emergency telephone numbers (veterinarian, family members, etc.)—in a watertight envelope. Store the envelope with your other important papers in a safe place that can be quickly reached.

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