Pet Loss in Louisiana: Can You Bury at Home?
I'm sure it's the same in other states, but here in Louisiana, losing a pet can be one of the most emotionally challenging things a person can endure.
In my own family, we've lost a number of our four-legged family members over the years. Just a couple of months ago, it was our beloved Charlie.
He was another of my wife's endless line of rescues. He would bark and chase every vehicle that dared to enter our place. His voice was loud and irritating, but he was the most loveable little guy on the planet and losing him hurt badly.
Fortunately we live far enough out in the woods that burying him was really a non-issue. We actually have somewhat of a "pet cemetery" that's the final resting place of our Jackson, Reba, Ranger and the guinea pig, Elvis.
However, the thought occurred to me. What if we lived in town? Would we be able to bury our little guy in the back yard?
I had to do a little digging to find a definitive answer for that one.
In Louisiana, Is It Legal To Bury Your Pet In Your Own Backyard?
For the most part, the answer is yes. However, the animal must not be carrying any type of infectious disease and the grave must be at least 6 feet deep.
It's just a bet here, but if you've ever buried a pet yourself, as I have, I think you'd be hard pressed to say you've ever dug any hole 6 feet down; much less your pet's final resting place.
That's The "Law" In Louisiana, But Do Police Really Enforce It?
Even though that is Louisiana law, I'd find it hard to believe that police are riding around with a tape measure, readied to unearth Fido and check the actual depth at which he's buried.
However, you'll certainly want to check with your specific Parish for any special codes concerning the issue and if you live in a subdivision with a H.O.A. (Home Owner's Association) they might have specific codes regarding pet disposal, so you'll want to inquire of them.
According to vetca.org, in Louisiana, there are a few things to consider when it comes to burial or incineration of your small companion animal.
- Some municipalities prohibit burial of animals within their boundaries.
- Weather, environmental, or soil conditions may not be conducive to burial even if it is authorized in the desired location.
- Prevention of secondary toxicoses of scavengers and pollution of ground water are extremely important considerations when debating burial carcasses of animals which were pharmaceutically euthanized.
- Cremation costs are generally based on the weight of the carcass(es), and is often cost prohibitive with larger animals.
- When done appropriately, composting provides an environmentally friendly means to dispose of carcasses and eliminate a variety of pathogens.
There are also special codes regarding the disposal of large animals like horses or cattle. Much like our small companion animals, for the most part, they can be buried in a hole not less than six feet or incinerated. Again, vetca.org is a great source to check for that information.