Disposing of dead animals, whether they are farmed or wild, is a responsibility that requires careful consideration and adherence to legal regulations. In this Animal Carcass Disposal Guide, we will outline the different requirements for disposing of farmed animal carcasses and wild animal carcasses. If you find yourself in need of assistance with animal carcass disposal, fallen stock or casualty animals, Martlands Waste Management is here to help.
Understanding the Types of Animals
When discussing animal carcass disposal, it’s essential to differentiate between farmed species and wild animals. Farm species typically include:
- Sheep
- Cattle
- Pigs
- Goats
- Poultry
- Horses and other equine species
Each type has specific disposal requirements under the Animal By-Products Regulations (ABPR), which must be followed to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
The Importance of Proper Disposal for Farmed Animals
If you handle or dispose of fallen stock or parts of animal carcasses from farmed animals, it is crucial that you meet the requirements set out by the ABPR. Farmers are legally responsible for the disposal of their own fallen stock. Since on-farm burial has been banned since 2003 due to health concerns, proper collection and disposal methods must be employed.
Timely Collection and Disposal
According to Article 21 of the EU Control Regulations, fallen stock must be collected, identified, and transported without any undue delay. This means that once an animal has died, arrangements for its removal should be made as soon as reasonably possible. At Martlands Waste Management, we provide a reliable service for collecting fallen stock efficiently and safely.
For cattle over 48 months old, there are additional stipulations: these animals must be collected within 24 hours of death for TSE (transmissible spongiform encephalopathies) testing at an approved sampling site. Our team is equipped to handle this process swiftly and effectively.
Burying Pets and Wild Animals
When it comes to pets, you are permitted to bury them on your own premises or in an authorised pet cemetery or landfill site. However, when dealing with wild animals such as deer, boar, rabbits, foxes, rats, squirrels, moles, and wild birds—different rules apply.
Handling Wild Animal Carcasses
Wild animal carcasses are not covered by animal by-product controls unless they are suspected to be diseased. If you have killed a wild animal as vermin or for population control purposes—whether through trapping or shooting—you have a legal duty to dispose of these carcasses appropriately.
It’s important to remember that wild animal carcasses are classified as waste under environmental laws. Therefore:
- You must handle them carefully.
- Store them securely.
- Dispose of them in a manner that prevents pollution or attracts vermin.
Safe Disposal Methods for Vermin
If you need to dispose of small quantities of vermin killed on your land (such as rodents), you can bury them; however, ensure that this does not lead to water pollution issues.
Burning Animal Carcasses – Legal Restrictions
Burning animal carcasses in open areas is strictly prohibited unless certain conditions apply:
- You are in a designated remote area.
- There is an outbreak of disease.
- There’s insufficient capacity at rendering plants and incinerators.
- Transporting the carcass would risk spreading disease.
If burning occurs in an incinerator setting instead, a pollution prevention and control permit or registered exemption may be required.
The Role of Martlands Waste Management
At Martlands Waste Management, we pride ourselves on being registered collectors and disposers of fallen stock with The Fallen Stock Company. Whether you require our services on an ad-hoc basis or prefer a longer-term contractual arrangement—we have got you covered.
By utilising our services for fallen stock management:
- You can maintain public confidence in your operations.
- You ensure compliance with all legal responsibilities regarding waste disposal.
- You contribute positively towards sustainable practices within the livestock industry.
Our Fallen Stock Service
Martlands is also a DEFRA-approved licensed sampling centre capable of undertaking TSE brain stem testing for adult cattle over 48 months old. We guarantee collection within 24 hours upon notification; samples are sent promptly via courier to the Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) in Newcastle for analysis.
All collected carcasses undergo safe disposal through rendering or incineration methods compliant with current regulations. This ensures that public health safety remains paramount throughout every step.
Disposing of dead animals responsibly requires knowledge about regulations governing both farmed species and wild animals alike—a task best handled by professionals like Martlands Waste Management, who understand these complexities thoroughly.
If you have any inquiries regarding our services related to fallen stock management or if you’re seeking assistance with proper disposal methods, do not hesitate to reach out! Together, we can ensure safe practices while fulfilling your legal obligations under UK law concerning Animal Carcass Disposal Guide standards.
Get in touch today on 01704 776977 for more information or click on one of the links below:-
Category 1 Animal By Product Collection
Category 2 Animal By Product Collection
Category 3 Animal By Product Collection
