Is It Illegal to Put a Dead Pet in the Garbage in South Dakota?

It's not something that you want to think about, but all of our pets will die. Someday. We had a beloved cat pass recently. After the crying and comforting, I realized there are some practical things that need to be taken care of.

Specifically, the question I have had was, what to do with the pet's body?

It doesn't seem like something you'd put in the garbage. Not only does it feel disrespectful to a member of the family, but it also seems like something we shouldn't be putting in the trash cans.

Read More: Is It Legal in South Dakota to Bury a Human Body in Your Backyard? 

Get our free mobile app

We chose to bury our elderly kitty. But, I still want to know what the 'official' thing to do is, what the law says about dead pets.

What Does South Dakota Law Say About Dead Animals 

First up, I found the specific statute in South Dakota law that deals with this question. It referred to them as 'carcasses' which feels weird, but I guess is accurate.

South Dakota Law: 12:68:03:05.  Procedures for disposal of animal carcasses. Carcasses of animals which have died from noncommunicable causes shall, within 36 hours, be burned, buried to a depth of four feet, incorporated into a composting system, or disposed of by a licensed rendering plant.

Basically, don't put them in the trash. Burn, bury, compost, or render; those are the choices.

READ MORE: Which Animals Are BANNED as Pets in South Dakota?

Who Can I Call To Dispose of a Dead Pet?

For your pet that has passed away, you also have the option of contacting a local veterinarian's office or the Humane Society and asking if they will properly dispose of the carcass.

What If I Find a Dead Animal?

If you're out on a walk and you come across a dead animal, the thing to do is to call the City of Sioux Falls Animal Control non-emergency number at 605-367-7000.

Just don't put them in the garbage.

Read More: Difficult Decisions - Does Sioux Falls Have A Pet Cemetery?