When an animal dies on private property, the city urges grief-stricken pet owners to place the remains in a heavy duty black trash bag with a label that identifies what’s inside:
Naturally this feels like a terrible way to treat a loved one — and since a backyard burial is unlikely in a space-tight city like New York, you may need to explore other options if trashing your pet doesn’t sit well.WRITTEN BY Dania McDermottTopics
Picture it: New York City, present day. Your cat, dog, or other non-human beloved has passed away in your home. Should you call 911? Nope — that’s for humans. Instead, reach for a Hefty bag and a marker.
If a dead animal is found on your property and you are certain that no person or pet has had physical contact with it, no matter how minor the contact, it can be discarded. The following are the acceptable means for disposal according to state and county laws. Please be aware that towns may have more stringent laws and you are advised to call your town hall first for these local laws.
Line a garbage can with two heavy duty trash bags. Wearing gloves and using a shovel, place the carcass in the bags. Tie off each bag and leave in the can for garbage pickup. The can must be properly closed and stored so as not to attract other animals while you are waiting for trash pick up.
DSNY will review your request to determine if you’re eligible for the removal service. If you’re eligible, they will contact you within 2 days to schedule an appointment so you can sign the waiver.
To safely dispose of a dead bird, use plastic bags or disposable rubber gloves to put it in the double plastic bag. Make sure to wash your hands with warm soapy water afterward.
DOHMH may collect some of the animals for testing. An investigation will determine if the animals will be collected.
If you choose to put the dead animal out for collection, place it in a heavy-duty black plastic bag or double plastic bag. You must tape a note to the bag stating its contents (for example, “dead dog” or “dead cat”). Place the bag curbside for collection on your trash day.
You can bring the remains of a deceased pet or another dead animal to an Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) drop-off location for cremation.
Proper disposal of deceased animals
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FARGO, N.D. — A North Dakota woman is heartbroken after her dog went into labor and the puppy it was carrying didnt make it. What the pet owner didnt expect: She says the emergency clinic just tossed the puppy in the trash. According to city ordinance, clinic staff are allowed to do that.
“I called the landfill myself, and police, and they both said its not illegal to throw animals in the garbage, said Danielle Kasprowicz of Fargo.
Every city, every county has rules unique to them. But when it comes to your pet many would say moral judgment weighs heavier than the opinion of the state.
Kasprowicz said her dog and the litter it was carrying meant so much more than just another pet to her.
“This is about my animal here. My animal is like a second child to me,” she said.
In both Moorhead and Fargo its not illegal for people to throw away their deceased pets if they arent diseased. But Kasprowicz said when her dogs puppy passed away during pregnancy, the vet simply told her they disposed of it.
Kasprowicz said the way the vet explained it shocked her.I said, Just in the regular garbage? And she said, Yeah, the regular garbage.
“We already disposed of your puppy. Which means its in the garbage. And I said, Just in the regular garbage? And she said, Yeah, the regular garbage,” Kasprowicz said.
The dumpster at the Red River Emergency Animal Hospital in Fargo is where Kasprowicz said her puppy was tossed. While it seems horrible, in North Dakota and Minnesota, its not illegal for vets to do this.
But Dr. Dill, the owner of Animal Health Clinic in Fargo, said his staff wouldnt practice such a policy.”
“There is no rule or law that prohibits that. But it doesnt happen at this practice and its something we just arent comfortable with,” he said.
Obviously some vets do utilize the dumpster though. Its not against the law. But perhaps worse, Kasprowicz said she wasnt even given alternative options and was just told where the puppy was.
After calling several vets in town she found out they typically will tell you what those options are.
“You can take your puppy home with you to do what you wish,” she said. “You can pay for the cremation services. Or you can let us dispose of it ourselves.”Ask questions. Nobody should be offended by a question like, What are you doing with my pet? if it passes.
Dr. Dill said people shouldnt feel uncomfortable asking the questions about what can be done with your pet.
“Just beware of your options. Ask questions. Nobody should be offended by a question like, What are you doing with my pet? if it passes,” he said.
So if your pet is much more than just a pet and you want to make sure it doesnt end up in a dumpster, make sure your veterinarian knows that.
“It would have meant a great deal to our family. For us to get over the loss ourselves, and then deal with it as far as burying the puppy,” said Kasprowicz.
Law states that pets cannot be buried in Fargo and Moorhead city limits. But they can be buried outside city limits or at many landfills.
Also, its not against the law in either Fargo or Moorhead to throw away your pet. City leaders just ask that you wrap it in plastic first.