Here's one you don't get everyday

[wavinwayne]

I know this is going to sound like a stupid/demented/ridiculous question, but I just want to know:

I have an old cat that is probably on it's 9th life. When it finally croaks, what am I legally supposed to do with the body?

 

[moribundman]

quote:

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9.04.090 Owner's responsibility to dispose of dead dogs, cats and household pets.

It is unlawful for any owner or person who, having had the possession or control of any dog, cat or household pet that has died to place the body of any dog, cat or household pet, after its death, or cause to permit it to be placed or to knowingly allow or permit it to remain, in or upon any public road, highway, street, alley, square, park, school ground or other public place, or in or upon any lot, premises or property of another. (Ord. 2474 § 1 (part), 1990)

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Either eat it or plan on a costly (space?) funeral. Do they make hamster-sized coffins?

 

[ToyotaNSaturn]

 

[Quattro Pete]

quote:

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(Ord. 2474 § 1 (part), 1990)

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WTH? Are you supposed to shoot it into outer space then?

 

[moribundman]

You could also opt for supporting your local taxidermy business, or you could try your hands at a new hobby, or resort to freeze-drying.

 

[moribundman]

- wood chipper solution
- "Fido is sleeping with the fishes"
- Get a bigger, really hungry pet

PS: Maybe there's a knacker in town?

 

[k1xv]

I have always buried my deceased pets in the back yard.

Alternatively, if you have a reasonably large barbeque pit or other similar arrangement, you could probably put the pet's body in the pit under adequate charcoal and cremate it.

 

[moribundman]

Bones don't burn completely due to their high mineral content. You have to grind that stuff up. Don't ask how I know!

The smell of the "pet BBQ" might get the neighbors worried.

Burying the pet in the backyard may be illegal, depending on your local laws.

We buried our dead cat in the woods. My canary got a funeral at sea.

Oh yeah, a funeral at sea, at least in international waters, should be A-okay.

 

[medic]

I would say that, after reading that, your only option is to bury it on land that you own.

 

[moribundman]

The family mausoleum?

 

[Pablo]

Wrap it with dignity in a nice old towel and take it to the closest veterinarian.

If you have a tear, they won't charge you anything. If you have a smile 10-20...............dollars.

 

[tom slick]

http://www.summum.org/mummification/pets/

If you loved it then this is the only option for your beloved cat

 

[GoldenRod]

Wayne, please have the cat cremated. Most veterinarians have a disposal service that come by to pick up deceased animals for cremation. You can even opt for a private cremation; where as the animals ashes are kept apart from the other animal's ashes, then kept in a separate container for you to keep. You seem like an extraordinarily intelligent person; I see no reason for you to do otherwise.

 

[Shannow]

wayne,
our cat (Curly Bill) met an untimely end at life 13, and is under a fern. My Elkhound of 14 years is in an urn in the cabinet.

 

[sprintman]

Bury in a nice place that you can visit if it's a good pet. They have a soul and shouldn't be forgotten. Unfortunately most are. Sad. Yes I'm a pet person and after spending **2000 on repairing a snapped cruciate ligament recently in one of my dog's, a Maltese terrier, a few months back and the nursing back to health I know what love is. Imagine an animal that can't physically go outside to piddle or whatever at anytime so I have to take it out in the middle of an ACT winter wearing jocks at 2:30am or 3:30am or whatever. Yes I was tired (and blo0dy cold) for 3 mths but he made it even after one vet said "put it down." Sorry for rant but your pets are precious or should be?

 

[outrun]

Is it legal to have a fire in your backyard?

Cremation/funeral pyre?

I say bury it in a way that will allow it to be one with earth again.

Caskets do nothing for nature.

 

[eljefino]

Do you, or does someone in your family, want something dignified? Or just sanitary and legal?

I bring mine where I know it will be part of a large, mixed "cremation".

 

[wavinwayne]

I asked my original question mainly because I was interested in what the law says about dead pet disposal.

With that said, this old cat is special to me & my family, & will be buried with dignity in a nice spot of my choosing. Although I don't believe that animals have souls, I do believe they should be always be treated humanely in life & at the time of their death.

Thanks for the interesting alternative suggestions for disposing of the cat.

 

[Tosh]

Your county may have an animal control unit which picks up live strays and dead animals.

 

[lewk]

most vets will "handle" this situation for a small fee,18.00 U.S. in my case fwiw.