This piece is strictly educational and intended to help people understand the best ways to dispose of dead wildlife they might have found on their property. Please reference local and state laws.
Read Critter Control’s Guide on Dead Animal Removal
Jump to Regulation by State
## Animal Carcass Regulations in Alabama
In Alabama, dead animal carcasses need to be removed in 24 hours (often prompt; diseased animals immediate)
Allowed methods include: –
- Burial
- Incineration
- rendering
- landfill (with approval)
Recommendated burial depth of 4 feet.
Alabama Administrative Code / State Dept. of Agriculture, – https://admincode.legislature.state.al.us/administrative-code/80-3-6-.26
## Animal Carcass Regulations in Alaska
In Alaska, dead animal carcasses need to be removed in Timeframe varies by local/state guidance
Allowed methods include:
- Burial
- Landfill
- Incineration
- Rendering
Take care of a dead animal carcass as soon as possible.
Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation / State guidance,
## Animal Carcass Regulations in Arizona
In Arizona, dead animal carcasses need to be removed in Timeframe varies by local/state guidance
Allowed methods include:
- Burial
- Cremation
- Rendering
- Landfill (rules vary)
Suggested timeframe varies by local guidance. Recommended time within 24 hours.
Arizona Administrative Rules / Solid Waste regs, https://www.azleg.gov/ars/17/00319.htm
## Animal Carcass Regulations in Arkansas
In Arkansas, dead animal carcasses need to be removed in Timeframe varies by local/state guidance
Allowed methods include:
- Rendering
- Burial
- Composting
- Incineration
- Landfill (with approval)
Bury at least two feet
Arkansas Dept. of Agriculture
## Animal Carcass Regulations in California
In California, dead animal carcasses need to be removed in Timeframe varies by local/state guidance (often 24-72 hrs)
Allowed methods include:
- Burial typically ≥3 ft recommended
- Incineration
- Landfill (approval)
- Composting
- Rendering
CDFA / CalEPA guidance, https://www.codepublishing.com/CA/Poway/html/Poway06/Poway0616.html#6.16.070
## Animal Carcass Regulations in Colorado
In Colorado, dead animal carcasses need to be removed in Timeframe varies by local/state guidance
Allowed methods include:
- Rendering
- landfill (with operator approval)
- incineration – composting
- On-site burial at least two feet
Colorado Dept. of Agriculture guidance,
## Animal Carcass Regulations in Connecticut
In Connecticut, dead animal carcasses need to be removed within 24 hours (local city rules may vary)
Allowed methods include:
- Burial
- Rendering
- Landfill
- Local municipal removal
CT state & municipal guidance,
## Animal Carcass Regulations in Delaware
In Delaware, dead animal carcasses need to be removed as quickly as possible but there are no state regulations as to how quickly you need to do it.
Allowed methods include:
- On-farm burial
- Landfill
- Rendering
- Incineration (per regs)
Delaware solid-waste / agricultural guidance,
## Animal Carcass Regulations in Florida
In Florida, it is unlawful to dump a deceased animal carcass on any public road or right-of-way.
Allowed methods include:
- Burial (at least two feet)
- Landfill (local municipal regulations apply)
- Incineration
- Composting (agricultural)
Guidance varies by county.
## Animal Carcass Regulations in Georgia
In Georgia, dead animal carcasses need to be removed within 24 hours (strict regulations against abandonment)
Allowed methods include:
- Burial (at least three feet)
- Landfill (with permission)
- Rendering
- Incineration
Setback/site limits specified in GAC 40-13-5
Georgia Administrative Code 40-13-5,
## Animal Carcass Regulations in Hawaii
In Hawaii, dead animal carcasses need to be removed in immediate/on discovery
Allowed methods include:
- Burial
State rules set minimum cover depths
Hawaii Dept. of Health / State rules, nan
## Animal Carcass Regulations in Idaho
In Idaho, dead animal carcasses need to be removed within 72 hours commonly.
Allowed methods include:
- Rendering
- Approved landfill
- Burial
IDAPA rules (Dept. of Agriculture),
## Animal Carcass Regulations in Illinois
In Illinois, dead animal carcasses need to be removed in As soon as practicable (often within 24-48 hrs)
Allowed methods include:
- Rendering
- Licensed landfill
- Burial
- Composting
Illinois Dept. of Agriculture / Dead Animal Disposal Act,
## Animal Carcass Regulations in Indiana
In Indiana, dead animal carcasses need to be removed in Timeframe varies by local/state guidance
Allowed methods include: – Burial – incineration – composting – rendering – other approved methods
Timeframe varies by local/state guidance
Indiana Board of Animal Health guidance,
## Animal Carcass Regulations in Iowa
In Iowa, dead animal carcasses need to be removed in As soon as reasonably possible (≈24 hrs)
Allowed methods include:
- Rendering
- Burial
- Incineration
- Composting
Iowa DNR / Extension guidance,
## Animal Carcass Regulations in Kansas
In Kansas, there is no regulated timeframe for dead animal removal, but you need to do it as quick as possible.
Allowed methods include:
- Burial
- Compost
- Incineration
- Rendering
- Landfill (with approval)
## Animal Carcass Regulations in Kentucky
In Kentucky, dead animal carcasses need to be removed as quickly as possible.
Allowed methods include:
- Composting
- Burial
- Incineration
- Rendering
Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund
## Animal Carcass Regulations in Louisiana
In Louisiana, dead animal carcasses need to be removed promptly; special rules for diseased animals
Allowed methods include:
- Burial
- Cremation
- Rendering
- Incineration
- Landfill (per rules)
Cover depth requirements varies by animal and local regulations.
LA statutes / Dept. of Agriculture guidance,
## Animal Carcass Regulations in Maine
In Maine, dead animal carcasses need to be removed in Timeframe varies by local/state guidance
Allowed methods include:
- Composting
- Burial (24 inches. Guidance for setbacks and depth)
- Rendering
- Landfill (some local restrictions)
Maine Extension / State guidance,
## Animal Carcass Regulations in Maryland
In Maryland, dead animal carcasses need to be removed within 72 hours; diseased animals require immediate action.
Allowed methods include:
- Burning
- Burial (≥3 ft often cited)
- Composting
Often ≥3 ft for diseased animals
Maryland Dept. of Agriculture / State regs, nan
## Animal Carcass Regulations in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, dead animal carcasses is regulated by each individual municipality.
Allowed methods include:
- Town removal
- Burial
- Rendering
- Landfill (if allowed)
Municipal guidance varies
MA state guidance / municipal animal control, nan
## Animal Carcass Regulations in Michigan
In Michigan, dead animal carcasses need to be removed within 24 hours
Allowed methods include:
- Composting
- Rendering
- Burial (at least two feet)
- Incineration
- Landfill (perms)
## Animal Carcass Regulations in Minnesota
In Minnesota, dead animal carcasses need to be removed within 72 hours.
Allowed methods include:
- Compost
- Render
- Landfill
- Incinerate
- Bury
Household pets and wild animals are exempt by law.
Who should I call for dead animals in Minnesota?
- Consult city ordinance for household pets.
- Contact local animal control for wild animals.
- Contact the road authority for road kill (651-296-3000).
MN Board of Animal Health, https://www.bah.state.mn.us/emergency-carcass-resources
## Animal Carcass Regulations in Mississippi
In Mississippi, dead animal carcasses need to be “prompt (same work day encouraged).”
Allowed methods include:
- Burial (Setbacks from wells/dwellings often required)
- Rendering
- Composting
- Landfill (with approval)
MS Board of Animal Health rules,
## Animal Carcass Regulations in Missouri
In Missouri, dead animal carcasses need to be removed in within 24 hours of knowledge of death (state law), The recommendation is to contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Geology Section at 573-368-2100 to determine the best location for composting or burial.
Allowed methods include:
- Rendering
- Composting
- Landfill
- Burial
- Incineration
Guidance available in state materials
Source: MO Dept. of Agriculture guidance,
## Animal Carcass Regulations in Montana
In Montana, dead animal carcasses cannot be placed in any lake, river, creek, pond, reservoir, road, street, alley, lot, or field.
Allowed methods include:
- Burning
- Burial (≥2 ft sometimes cited)
- Composting
- Rendering
Montana Dept. of Livestock / State law
Unlawful Disposition of Dead Animals Exception
## Animal Carcass Regulations in Nebraska
In Nebraska, dead animal carcasses need to be removed in within 36 hours
Allowed methods include:
- Composting
- Burial (at least four feet)
- Incineration
- Rendering
- Landfill
## Animal Carcass Regulations in Nevada
In Nevada, dead animal carcasses need to be removed in Immediate for disease-related carcasses; 24 hours
Allowed methods include:
- Burial (≥3 ft)
- Burning
- Rendering
- Landfill (with rules)
## Animal Carcass Regulations in New Hampshire
In New Hampshire, dead animal removal timeframe varies by local regulations.
Allowed methods include:
- Burning
- Burial
- Rendering
- Shipping to processing under commissioner rules
NH Dept. of Agriculture rules,
## Animal Carcass Regulations in New Jersey
In New Jersey, dead animal carcasses need to be removed in 24 hours. Carcasses held covered in rat proof containers until final disposition in accordance with local ordinances.
Allowed methods include:
- Rendering
- Landfill
- Burial
- Composting (regulated)
## Animal Carcass Regulations in New Mexico
In New Mexico, dead animal carcasses need to be removed within 24 hours. The Department of Agriculture VDS can assist with dead domestic animals.
Allowed methods include:
- Cremation
- Landfill (municipal and county ordinances apply)
- Rendering
- Composting
- Burial
New Mexico Proper Disposal of Farm Mortalities
## Animal Carcass Regulations in New York
In New York, dead animal carcasses need to be removed in Timeframe varies by local/state guidance; often prompt (farm rules exist)
Allowed methods include:
- Burial (≥3 ft often)
- Composting
- Rendering
- Landfill
NY Dept. of Agriculture & Markets guidance,
## Animal Carcass Regulations in North Carolina
In North Carolina, dead animal carcasses need to be removed often within 24 hours; bury at least 3 ft deep typically
Allowed methods include:
- Burial
- Rendering
- Landfill (with approval)
- Composting
- Incineration (approved)
NC Dept. of Agriculture / State regs,
## Animal Carcass Regulations in North Dakota
In North Dakota, the most common timeframe for dead animal removal is within 36 hours but there are some disease-status dependent timeframes.
Allowed methods include:
- Bury (at least 3-4 feet deep)
- Compost
- Incinerate
- Rendering
at least 3-4 feet
ND Dept. of Agriculture / State rules,
## Animal Carcass Regulations in Ohio
In Ohio, dead animal carcasses need to be removed within a reasonable time after knowledge (rules exist)
Allowed methods include:
- Bury ≥4 ft commonly cited
- Burn
- Render
- Alkaline hydrolysis
- Composting
Often ≥4 ft in state code
Ohio Section 941.14 | Disposal of dead or destroyed animals.,
## Animal Carcass Regulations in Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, dead animal carcasses need to be removed in Within 24 hours after knowledge of death commonly cited
Allowed methods include:
- Burial (At least 36 inches covered; setbacks recommended)
- Rendering
- Landfill
- Incineration
- Composting
OK Dept. of Agriculture / State guidance,
## Animal Carcass Regulations in Oregon
In Oregon, dead animal carcasses need to be removed within 15 hours
Allowed methods include:
- Burial at least 4 feet away from the house and running water
- Landfill (call landfill)
- Composting
- Rendering
## Animal Carcass Regulations in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, dead animal carcasses need to be removed within 48 hours, often cited for domestic animals
Five legal methods for the disposal of deceased domestic animals:
- Burial
- Rendering
- Landfill (if accepted)
- Incineration
- Composting
Contact your local regional office for more information.
PA Dept. of Agriculture guidance,
## Animal Carcass Regulations in Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, dead animal carcasses need to be removed in accordance with local and state guidelines.
DEM guidance:
- Composting
- On-site burial
- Off-site landfill
- Municipal removal
- Incineration
- Rendering (negative virus isolation)
- Chemical Digestion (few sites availabile)
Timeframe varies by local/state guidance
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management guidelines(download)
## Animal Carcass Regulations in South Carolina
In South Carolina, dead animal carcasses need to be removed “immediately.”
Allowed methods include:
- Certified solid waste disposal facility
- Incineration
- Rendering with a contract
- Composting
- Bury at least 4 feet (other restrictions apply)
## Animal Carcass Regulations in South Dakota
In South Dakota, dead animal carcasses need to be removed within 36 hours, often cited for non-communicable causes
Allowed methods include:
- Burned
- Buried at least 4 feet
- Composte
- Rendering
SD Dept. of Agriculture / State law
## Animal Carcass Regulations in Tennessee
In Tennessee, dead animal carcasses need to be removed within 48 hours.
Allowed methods:
- Burial (one to two feet of topsoil covered)
- Rendering
- Composting
- Landfill (if allowed)
- Incineration
## Animal Carcass Regulations in Texas
In Texas, dead animal carcasses need to be disposed of within 24 hours.
Allowed methods include:
- Burial within 3 feet
- Composting
- Landfill (with approval)
- Rendering
- Incineration
Site-selection safeguards recommended
Texas Parks and Wildlife Deer Carcass Disposal Requirements
TCEQ guidance (Disposal of Livestock Carcasses RG-419)
## Animal Carcass Regulations in Utah
In Utah, dead animal carcasses need to be removed within 2 days, commonly cite the as owner’sr duty to dispose
Allowed methods include:
- Burial
- Rendering
- Landfill (if allowed)
- Composting
- Incineration
Utah Administrative Code / Dept. guidance
## Animal Carcass Regulations in Vermont
In Vermont, dead animal carcasses need to be removed within 24 hours, commonly cited
Allowed methods include:
- Incineration
- Burial (≥36 inches often cited)
- Rendering
VT Dept. of Agriculture guidance
## Animal Carcass Regulations in Virginia
In Virginia, it is unlawful to leave a disabled or dead animal on the road or allow it to remain unburied.
Allowed methods include:
- Municipal Waste where allowed
- Burial
- Cremation
- Rendering
- Composting
- Emergency plans for mass mortality
## Animal Carcass Regulations in Washington
In Washington, dead animal carcasses need to be removed within 72 hours, commonly cited
Allowed methods include:
- Burial ≥3 ft
- Landfill
- Incineration
- Composting
- Rendering
## Animal Carcass Regulations in West Virginia
In West Virginia, dead animal carcasses need to be removed within 24 hours. The carcass will not be disposed of in a place that will be subjected to overflow from ponds or streams, and which is not less than one hundred feet from any watercourse, well, spring, public highway, house, or stable.
Recommended disposal methods include:
- Burial
- Landfill
- Rendering
- Composting
- Cremation
- Any other method the commissioner prescribes
## Animal Carcass Regulations in Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, dead animal carcasses must be removed within 24 hours (Apr–Nov) or 48 hours (Dec–Mar).
Allowed methods include:
- Rendering
- Landfill
- Burial
- Composting
- Incineration
WI DATCP livestock carcass disposal
## Animal Carcass Regulations in Wyoming
In Wyoming, the owner is responsible for removing a dead animal carcass. It is prohibited to deposit a dead animal carcass into rivers, ditches, railroads right-of-ways, highways, or public grounds.
Allowed methods include:
- Approved landfill list
- Composting (DEQ rules)
- Burial with restrictions
- Rendering (where accepted)
Approval is required to collect dead deer, elk, antelope, moose, bison, or wild turkey on the road.
WY Game & Fish / DEQ guidance,
WY Game and Fish Department’s Guidelines for carcass disposal