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Dead Animal Removal by State

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## 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, dead animal carcasses need to be removed in Timeframe varies by local/state guidance (often prompt)

Allowed methods include:

  • Burial
  • Landfill (local municipal regulations apply)
  • Incineration
  • Composting (agricultural)

Guidance varies by county

Florida DEP / Statutes,

## 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 in Within 72 hours commonly cited

Allowed methods include:

  • Rendering
  • Approved landfill
  • Burial

IDAPA rules (Dept. of Agriculture), https://agri.idaho.gov/animals/complaints-concerns/dead-animals/

## 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, https://ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/008/008000900001100R.html

## 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, https://www.iowadnr.gov/media/5839/download?inline

## 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)

KS 47-1219

KS 65-1999

## 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 257.610

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, https://legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=85938#:~:text=Louisiana%20law%20requires%20that%20animal%20carcasses%20be,Livestock%20on%20ranges%2C%20pastures%2C%20or%20other%20premises

## 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 in Prompt; 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)

MDARD guidance

## Animal Carcass Regulations in Minnesota

In Minnesota, dead animal carcasses need to be removed in Timeframe varies by local/state guidance

Allowed methods include: – Compost – render – landfill – incinerate – bury

Timeframe varies by local/state guidance; household pets often local ordinance

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)

Allowed methods include:

  • Rendering composting – landfill – burial – incineration

Guidance available in state materials

MO Dept. of Agriculture guidance, https://agriculture.mo.gov/animals/health/disease/disposal.html

## Animal Carcass Regulations in Montana

In Montana, dead animal carcasses need to be removed in Timeframe varies by local/state guidance

Allowed methods include: – Burning – burial (≥2 ft sometimes cited) – composting – rendering

Often ≥2 ft in guidance

Montana Dept. of Livestock / State law, https://archive.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0810/chapter_0090/part_0030/section_0110/0810-0090-0030-0110.html

## Animal Carcass Regulations in Nebraska

In Nebraska, dead animal carcasses need to be removed in within 36 horus

Allowed methods include: – Composting – burial – incineration – rendering – landfill

At least four feet

Nebraska Dept. of Agriculture guidance, https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=54-2946

## 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)

Often ≥3 ft required

NV statutes / Dept. guidance, https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nac/nac-571.html

## Animal Carcass Regulations in New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, dead animal carcasses need to be removed in Timeframe varies by local/state guidance

Allowed methods include: – Burning – burial – rendering – shipping to processing under commissioner rules

Timeframe varies by local/state guidance

NH Dept. of Agriculture rules, https://www.hunter-ed.com/newhampshire/trapper/studyGuide/Disposing-of-Animal-Carcasses/22103101_254395/#:~:text=Careless%20disposal%20of%20carcasses%20can,are%20used%20to%20make%20lure.

## Animal Carcass Regulations in New Jersey

In New Jersey, dead animal carcasses need to be removed in 24 horus

Allowed methods include: – Rendering – landfill – burial – composting (regulated)

Timeframe varies by local/state guidance

NJ Dept. of Agriculture guidance, https://law.justia.com/codes/new-jersey/title-24/section-24-16b-18/

## Animal Carcass Regulations in New Mexico

In New Mexico, dead animal carcasses need to be removed in Timeframe varies by local/state guidance

Allowed methods include: – Cremation – landfill (if accepted) – rendering – composting – burial

Timeframe varies by local/state guidance

NM Dept. of Agriculture / State carcass plan, nan

## 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

Typically ≥3 ft recommended

NY Dept. of Agriculture & Markets guidance, https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/newyorkcity/latest/NYCadmin/0-0-0-29364

## Animal Carcass Regulations in North Carolina

In North Carolina, dead animal carcasses need to be removed in Often within 24 hours; bury at least 3 ft deep typically

Allowed methods include: – Burial – rendering – landfill (with approval) – composting – incineration (approved)

At least 3 ft (common guidance)

NC Dept. of Agriculture / State regs, https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/PDF/BySection/Chapter_106/GS_106-403.pdf

## Animal Carcass Regulations in North Dakota

In North Dakota, dead animal carcasses need to be removed in Timeframe varies by local/state guidance (disease-status dependent; e.g., 36 hrs often cited)

Allowed methods include: – Burn – bury (depth varies) – compost – rendering – licensed removal

at least 3-4 feet

ND Dept. of Agriculture / State rules, https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/sites/default/files/2023-03/nm1422.pdf

## Animal Carcass Regulations in Ohio

In Ohio, dead animal carcasses need to be removed in 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 Dept. of Agriculture / State code, https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-941.14

## 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 – rendering – landfill – incineration – composting

At least 36 inches covered; setbacks recommended

OK Dept. of Agriculture / State guidance, https://ag.ok.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Carcass-DIsposal-Options_2024_finaldraft.pdf

## Animal Carcass Regulations in Oregon

In Oregon, dead animal carcasses need to be removed in 15 hours

Allowed methods include: – Burial with setbacks – landfill (call landfill) – composting – rendering

At least 4 feet, away from house and urnning water

ODA / DEQ guidance, https://www.oregon.gov/oda/natural-resources/pages/livestock-mortality.aspx

## Animal Carcass Regulations in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, dead animal carcasses need to be removed in Within 48 hours often cited for domestic animals

Allowed methods include: – Burial – rendering – landfill (if accepted) – incineration – composting

Timeframe varies by local/state guidance by guidance

PA Dept. of Agriculture guidance, https://www.pa.gov/agencies/pda/animals/bureau-of-animal-health-and-diagnostic-services-bahds/animal-exhibition-and-movement-rules/livestock-and-poultry-mortality-disposal.html

## Animal Carcass Regulations in Rhode Island

In Rhode Island, dead animal carcasses need to be removed in Timeframe varies by local/state guidance

Allowed methods include: – DEM guidance: burial suitability – municipal removal – decontamination for diseased animals

Timeframe varies by local/state guidance

RI DEM guidance, https://dem.ri.gov/media/71986/download

## Animal Carcass Regulations in South Carolina

In South Carolina, dead animal carcasses need to be removed in Timeframe varies by local/state guidance

Allowed methods include: – Burial (pits/trenches) – rendering – composting – landfill (if accepted)

Cover requirements in at least 2 feet of compacted sil

SCDHEC / Clemson guidance, https://des.sc.gov/sites/des/files/media/document/Burial-Site-Guidance-Dec-2020.pdf

## Animal Carcass Regulations in South Dakota

In South Dakota, dead animal carcasses need to be removed in Within 36 hours often cited for non-communicable causes

Allowed methods include: – Burn – bury ≥4 ft – compost – licensed renderer – landfill (approval)

Often ≥4 ft in rules

SD Dept. of Agriculture / State law, https://aib.sd.gov/carcass-disposal.html#:~:text=Mortalities%20occur%20in%20livestock%20production,Water

## Animal Carcass Regulations in Tennessee

In Tennessee, dead animal carcasses need to be removed in Recommended within 48 hours

Allowed methods include: – Burial – rendering – composting – landfill (if allowed) – incineration

one to two feet coverd

TDEC / State guidance, http://wastemgmt.ag.utk.edu/Mortality/

## Animal Carcass Regulations in Texas

In Texas, dead animal carcasses need to be removed in Timeframe varies by local/state guidance

Allowed methods include: – Burial – composting – landfill (with approval) – rendering – incineration

Site-selection safeguards recommended

TCEQ guidance (Disposal of Livestock Carcasses RG-419), https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/texas/4-Tex-Admin-Code-SS-59-12

## Animal Carcass Regulations in Utah

In Utah, dead animal carcasses need to be removed in Within 2 days commonly cited; owner duty to dispose

Allowed methods include: – Burial – rendering – landfill (if allowed) – composting – incineration

Timeframe varies by local/state guidance

Utah Administrative Code / Dept. guidance, https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title4/Chapter31/4-31-S102.html#:~:text=The%20owner%20of%20a%20dead,animal%20on%20the%20owner’s%20property.

## Animal Carcass Regulations in Vermont

In Vermont, dead animal carcasses need to be removed in Within 24 hours commonly cited

Allowed methods include: – Incineration – burial (≥36 inches often cited) – rendering – other approved methods

Often ≥36 inches/3 ft

VT Dept. of Agriculture guidance, https://agriculture.vermont.gov/animal-health-0/livestock-mortalities-and-disposal

## Animal Carcass Regulations in Virginia

In Virginia, dead animal carcasses need to be removed in Timeframe varies by local/state guidance

Allowed methods include: – Landfill (with prior approval) – burial – rendering – composting – emergency plans for mass mortality

Timeframe varies by local/state guidance

VA DEQ guidance, https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title3.2/chapter65/section3.2-6554/

## Animal Carcass Regulations in Washington

In Washington, dead animal carcasses need to be removed in Within 72 hours commonly cited

Allowed methods include: – Burial ≥3 ft – landfill – incineration – composting – rendering – other approved methods

At least 3 ft recommended

WAC 246-203-121 / WSDA guidance, https://app.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=246-203-121

## Animal Carcass Regulations in West Virginia

In West Virginia, dead animal carcasses need to be removed in Within 24 hours commonly cited

Allowed methods include: – Burial – rendering – burning – other approved methods; commissioner can order disposal

Timeframe varies by local/state guidance

WV statutes / Dept. guidance, https://code.wvlegislature.gov/19-9-34/

## Animal Carcass Regulations in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, dead animal carcasses need to be removed in Within 24 hours (Apr–Nov) and 48 hours (Dec–Mar)

Allowed methods include: – Rendering – landfill – burial – composting – incineration

Timeframe varies by local/state guidance

WI DATCP guidance, https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/CarcassDisposal.aspx

## Animal Carcass Regulations in Wyoming

In Wyoming, dead animal carcasses need to be removed in Timeframe varies by local/state guidance; CWD-specific and landfill rules exist

Allowed methods include: – Approved landfill list – composting (DEQ rules) – burial with restrictions – rendering (where accepted)

Timeframe varies by local/state guidance

WY Game & Fish / DEQ guidance, https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title35.pdf