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EQUINE DISPOSAL GUIDE FOR MARYLAND HORSE OWNERS By University of Maryland Extension (updated by Olivia Wood from UMD’s December 2014 article)


Owning an equine means you, as the own-


er, accept responsibility for the animal’s health and well-being. However, the time may come when your equine will suff er injury, sickness, old age, lameness, or dangerous behaviors that will result in the trying task of deciding what is best for your equine. In some cases, the kind- est and most humane decision is to have the animal euthanized. Your veterinarian can guide you in deciding if euthanasia is appropriate. Having to euthanize an equine is a topic not


often discussed, so deciding when, where, and how is not easy. Making such a decision is of- ten emotionally taxing for an equine owner. Management and disposal of deceased ani- mals is a normal part of raising livestock. Prop- er equine disposal is important whether the cause of the death was expected or unexpected. Having a plan and the necessary information


regarding on- and off -farm disposal options will help make the circumstances of dispos- ing of an equine less stressful. In general, be sure you know the acceptable disposal op- tions available in your county. Always check the local ordinances and with county agen- cies to ensure that you use proper disposal methods. If an equine carcass must be removed from the farm, it should be covered completely with a tarp during transport.


Importance of Proper Disposal of Equine Carcasses


It is important to properly dispose of an


equine carcass in a timely manner for the fol- lowing reasons:


• Health - the timely removal of a dead ani- mal limits the spread of disease and prevents other animals from becoming sick. • Environmental Protection - timely dispos- al protects waterways and groundwater from contamination by limiting potential toxins that may be released from a decomposing animal. • Appearance - neighbors and the gener- al public may fi nd the sight of a deceased equine unappealing or even distressful, leav- ing a negative opinion of the equine owner’s operation and management skills.


Once an equine has died, a disposal method should be chosen that is most acceptable to the equine owner, does not spread disease, does not endanger public health and does not negatively impact the environment.


State and Local Authorities Be sure to check with State and local au-


thorities before selecting a disposal method as permitted disposal methods vary throughout the State. State and local agencies that may be contacted include but are not limited to: • Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) • Maryland Department of Health (MDH) • Maryland Department of the Environ- ment (MDE) • County Animal Control offi ces


In addition, it is strongly encouraged to check with county zoning prior to carcass disposal within a county or town limits. Remember, laws and regulations can change, so always double check local and state regulations before disposing of an equine carcass for any changes or updates that may have occurred.


Don’t forget! Check your county codes and regulations for current equine disposal options in your area.


Maryland counties generally follow State


regulations pertaining to animal carcass dis- posal. According to the Code of Regulations (COMAR) for Maryland, disposal regulations for the State are as follows: • 3-108 Maryland Code - When any ani- mal is slaughtered under the provisions of the subtitle, the owner may dispose of the carcass or any part of it, the hides, and of- fal, pursuant to the departmental rules and regulations, and in a manner that does not tend to spread disease or endanger the public health.


• 3-109 Maryland Code - T e owner of any domestic animal that has died of a conta- gious or infectious disease shall bury it to a depth of at least three feet or burn it within three hours before sunset of the day follow- ing the discovery of the animal.


For current information, visit the Maryland


Department of Agriculture’s website www. mda.maryland.gov or contact MDA directly at 410-841-5700.


Maryland Law


Maryland law requires disposal of a deceased equine within 48 hours of its death. If an owner or manager does not dispose of a carcass prop- erly, the Maryland Health Department will


Equine End of Life Resources


For a complete and current list of equine end of life resources such as removal companies and crematories, please contact the Maryland Equine Transition Service at 410-970-6474 or visit mdequinetransition.org


32 | APRIL 2021 | THE EQUIERY YOUR MARYLAND HORSE COUNCIL PUBLICATION 800-244-9580 | www.equiery.com


become involved. Here in Maryland, the following options for disposing of an equine carcass are available: • Composting • Cremation/incineration • Burial


Allowing the carcass to decay in a pasture or an open area is not encouraged in Maryland. Generally, there is not enough land available away from neighbors or the public to make this a viable option for equine owners. A naturally decomposing carcass may contaminate surface and groundwater. Chemical euthanasia also poses a risk of poisoning scavenging wildlife, livestock, and pets. Regardless of the method chosen by the


equine owner or manager, the carcass must be disposed of within 48 hours according to the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA). MDA also specifi es that any animal that died of an infectious or reportable disease must be disposed of according to MDA guidelines.


Composting Composting is considered the most envi-


ronmentally safe disposal method, provid- ing the composting process is done correctly. Composting is cost effi cient, kills pathogens, is biosecure, environmentally sound, and easily accomplished. T e composting process is carried out using


specifi c moisture and temperature levels during set periods of time. T e time required varies depending on the size of the equine. Larger animals require more time. Composting requires carbon sources, such


as woodchips or shavings. T e composting site should be located in a well-drained area away from wells and other water sources. T e carbon source will completely breakdown the equine carcass in addition to providing organic material that can be used as a soil amendment. Owners may use this material in planting a “memorial tree” for the deceased equine. Composting can be done any time of the


year, regardless of the size of equine. For more information on how to set up a


proper composting site, see the sidebar in this article.


Cremation or Incineration Incineration is the thermal destruction of a


carcass by fuel such as propane or natural gas, also known as burning. While an incinerator may be installed on a farm for large animals, it


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