Kitchen glovesIf a dead animal is found on your property and you are certain that no person or pet has had physical contact with it, no matter how minor the contact, it can be discarded. The following are the acceptable means for disposal according to state and county laws. Please be aware that towns may have more stringent laws and you are advised to call your town hall first for these local laws.

Line a garbage can with two heavy duty trash bags. Wearing gloves and using a shovel, place the carcass in the bags. Tie off each bag and leave in the can for garbage pickup. The can must be properly closed and stored so as not to attract other animals while you are waiting for trash pick up.

The carcass may also be buried on your property pending town ordinances. It must be buried three feet deep and 250 feet from a water source such as a lake, stream or well.

You may also hire a licensed registered trapper to remove the carcass for you.

If you are uncertain as to whether a person or pet has had physical contact with the animal, please call the Westchester County Department of Health at (914) 813-5000.