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Fallen Livestock
Many of us keep livestock as pets, but any animal classed as a farm animal cannot be buried. Often when an animal dies or has to be put down there are a multitude of things to think about, however being aware of the law on fallen livestock is something every small holder should know.
Since July 2003 it has been illegal to burn or bury fallen livestock. This includes all of the following:
- Poultry
- Waterfowl
- Sheep
- Goats
- Cattle
- Llamas and Alpacas
Disposal methods of these animals can be by a DEFRA approved incinerator, such as a pet crematorium or at a farm, or by a slaughter man, hunt kennels or zoo.
So why is it illegal to bury these animals even if they are kept as pets?
When animals are buried they decompose into the ground, if they were diseased then this could be carried in the soil and lead to further outbreaks. So by burying your pet you would be breeching bio security and risk spreading diseases such as BSE or foot and mouth disease for example. To prevent this risk in 2003 a blanket ban came in making it illegal to bury any animal classified as a farm animal or animal by-product.
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