A consistent set of regulations for the disposal of dead animals exists across most of Canada.
Agriculture and environment regulations demand that dead animals be removed within 48 hours to prevent environmental contamination. Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia are the only provinces that lack specific rules for animals.
Rendering the bodies into tallow and protein in licensed facilities that have proper records is the most common disposal method. Alberta has a provision that says dead animals may be collected and transported, if required, for diagnosis of animal diseases before rendering takes place.
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Dead animals may also be buried, incinerated or composted.
Some provinces allow natural disposal, where carcasses are moved to an isolated place and scavengers eat them. Leaving the carcass to predators is not recommended since it could lure them to live animals.
Burial is permitted, provided the material is interred at least 30 metres away from water sources and domestic residences. The pits must also be well above water tables and aquifers.
The burial pits should be constructed to allow one m of soil cover and sized for a maximum 700 kilograms of animals. Burial sites should be staggered throughout a beef cattle operation’s land.
Quebec insists burying be done above the 20-year flood zone of any watercourse or lake, and it must be at least 75 m away from any watercourse and 150 m from any source of underground potable water. The bottom of the burial cavity must be above the water table and the carcass must be covered with caustic lime and then covered with at least 60 centimetres of soil.
Composting of carcasses is primarily used for poultry and small animals like lambs. Proper management is required to kill potential pathogens to ensure complete breakdown of the material.
Incineration for smaller stock is allowed providing all air emission standards are met.
