Explaining the Livestock Mortality Laws & Regulations
At Graver Horse Removal, we are licensed and permitted experts on properly handling deceased livestock according to a web of rules and regulations at the local, state, and federal levels. These strict guidelines govern everything from how quickly remains must be removed and disposed of to approved transportation methods, burial specifications, emissions controls, and more.
Adhering to these livestock mortality laws and regulations is not just important for protecting environmental health and safety – it’s also the law. Non-compliance can come with hefty fines and even criminal penalties depending on the severity of the violation. Here’s a look at some of the key requirements we follow:
Illinois Livestock Management Laws
In Illinois, the governing legislation is the Livestock Management Facilities Act regulated by the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA). This act states that any deceased domesticated livestock classified as horses, cattle, swine, sheep, goats or poultry must be disposed of within 24 hours.
Approved methods of disposal include complete incineration through cremation, burying the body at specified depths with at least 2 feet of compacted soil covering, removal by a licensed rendering facility, or composting according to IDOA guidelines. Simply letting remains decompose or dumping them improperly are strictly prohibited.
Environmental Protection Laws
A slew of environmental regulations from the EPA, along with local municipal and county codes, also dictate how and where livestock remains can legally be buried, incinerated, composted or transported. These laws aim to mitigate groundwater contamination risks, disease transmission threats, odors near residential areas, and other public health hazards.
For example, in many areas the EPA mandates remains must be buried at least 300 feet away from any drinking water wells, streams, sinkholes, or other potential contaminant pathways. Other codes specify incineration emission controls and transportation containment safeguards.
USDA & Interstate Shipping Rules
If livestock remains need to cross state lines for burial or cremation at an out-of-state facility, we must abide by the USDA’s federal interstate regulations. Requirements include having stamped documentation confirming the animal did not die from a communicable disease. Leak-proof, secure transportation methods must be used under USDOT Hazmat rules.
Violating any of these various laws can result in civil or criminal offenses like fines up to $10,000 per day and even potential jail time. That’s why owners should never attempt deceased livestock removal themselves, but always use a professional service like Graver Horse Removal that is fully educated and compliant on every regulation to ensure complete legality. We make this difficult process respectful and stress-free.
