Dead Animal Disposal
Under the Disposal of Dead Animals Law, RSM0, Section 29.020, carcasses of animals must be disposed of within 24 hours of knowledge of death. Acceptable methods of disposal are rendering, composting, depositing in a permitted sanitary landfill, incineration by an approved method and burying on-site. We recommend you contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Geology Section at (573) 368-2100 to determine the best location for composting or burial.
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Dead Animal Improper Disposal Reporting
The Animal Health Division responds to reports of dead livestock that have not been properly disposed of, as per the law. Division staff do not dispose of the animals, but do attempt to locate those responsible and see that they properly dispose of the carcasses in a timely manner as required. The division only investigates animals raised for commercial purposes. We do not respond to reports of dead animals under the Wildlife Code (deer, coyotes, etc.) or pets, whether confined or stray.
To report dead livestock not properly disposed of, complete our online complaint form, contact the Division of Animal Health at (573) 751-3377 or e-mail animal.health@mda.mo.gov. If reporting improper disposal, please be prepared to give as much of the following information as possible.
- Name, address, telephone number of animal owner or custodian.
- Name, address, telephone number of landowner (if different than animal owner).
- What kind of animal(s) and how many?
- Location of the animal(s) on the property. Can they be seen without entering the property?
- Your name, address and telephone number. The person investigating may need to talk with you for further information. We do not take anonymous reports.
Providing a 911 address is best when giving locations. If the address is not known, please use road numbers, distances to 1/10th of miles to nearest state road or highway, and directions of N, E, S, W, NE, SW, etc. Avoid using landmarks and “turn right or left,” as they can be confusing depending on which direction one is traveling.