Status: 14.01.2024, 15:50 PM
By: Ines Alms
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As a rule, it is allowed to bury the beloved pet in the garden. However, there are exceptions and alternatives that you should be aware of, otherwise it can be expensive.
If you want to be close to your beloved budgie or hamster after its death, you can bury the animal in your own garden under certain conditions. However, depending on the size of the animal and the federal state, different rules apply. In Bremen, the legal situation for some animals is a little different. Likewise on your doorstep if it is public property. Here you will learn how to orient yourself in the jungle of animal burial.
Legal Provisions for Animal Burial
If you don't have your own garden, you can also bury your pet in a pet cemetery. © Bihlmayerfotografie/Imago
It is important to know the rights and obligations for burying your beloved pet, because in the event of a violation, a violation of the Animal Body Disposal Act can result in a fine of up to 15,000 euros: As Arag Insurance explains, it is strictly forbidden to bury animals on public property, such as in the forest or under a meadow. Since the groundwater level in Bremen is high, small animals may be buried there, but no dogs or cats in the garden.
Otherwise, the following regulations apply:
- You don't need a permit for small animals if you want to bury them in the garden. A terrier or cat is still considered small, for a large dog like a Great Dane you should get permission from the local veterinary office.
- Animals must not be buried in the garden if the property is located in a water or nature reserve, as this could endanger drinking water.
- The pet must not have had a notifiable disease, in which case garden burial is generally prohibited according to the Advocard.de. It must also not have received any environmentally harmful medication. The attending veterinarian can help with these questions.
- Make sure that the grave site is one to two meters away from public roads and the neighboring property.
- Bury the carcass at least 50 centimeters deep underground so that other animals do not dig it up again.
You can find even more exciting gardening topics in the regular newsletter of our partner 24garten.de.
If you are unsure, you can ask the responsible veterinary office which regulations apply locally. Tenants should get permission from the landlord before burying their pet in the garden. Small animals such as birds and hamsters should not be disposed of in the compost under any circumstances, the residual waste bin is a permitted alternative.
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Options and costs for alternative burials
If you prefer to or need to dispose of your dead pet officially, you can choose from the following options:
- Special animal cemeteries or cemeteries for the burial of animals. According to Sueddeutsche.de, the costs for this are between 100 and 300 euros.
- An animal crematorium makes it possible to store the ashes of the beloved animal in an urn at home. The costs here range from 105 euros to 315 euros for an animal, and collective cremation is cheaper.
- A municipal rendering facility is the cheapest option at around 30 euros.
- Have it stuffed by a taxidermist: Depending on the size of the animal, several hundred euros are possible.