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MEMORANDUM <br /> TO: Evelyn Turner <br /> FROM: Cynthia Kirchoff, Campbell Knutson, P.A. <br /> DATE: April 24, 2008 <br /> RE: Pet Cremation <br /> ISSUES: <br /> 1. Is there a state law regulating the disposal of the cremated remains of a pet? <br /> 2. Is there a state law regulating the disposal of human cremated remains? <br /> BRIEF ANSWERS: <br /> 1. No, pets, such as dogs and cats, are exempt from disposal regulations. <br /> 2. Yes, the scattering of cremated human remains cannot be commingled with other <br /> human remains without permission. However, remains may be scattered in a <br /> cemetery or at sea without permission. <br /> Every person owning a domestic animal that has died or been killed shall as soon as reasonably <br /> possible bury the carcass in the ground at a depth to prevent scavenging by other animals, <br /> thoroughly burn it or dispose of it by another method approved by the Board of Animal Health. <br /> Minn. Stat. § 35.82, subd. 2. A domestic animal does not include an animal that in common <br /> practice is maintained in the home of the owner, so the burial or cremation of a dog or cat is <br /> exempted from this section. Id. at subd. 4. A local government unit is authorized to regulate the <br /> disposition of carcasses of exempted domestic animals, though. Id. <br /> The cremation of human remains is governed by Minnesota Statutes, chapter 149A. Once <br /> cremated remains are released to an appropriate party, no further permits or authorizations are <br /> required for placement of the remains. Minn. Stat. § 149A.96, subd. 9. However, no cremated <br /> human remains shall be disposed of or scattered in a matter or in a location where remains are <br /> commingled with other human remains without permission of the person with the legal right to <br /> control the disposition. Minn. Stat. § 149A.95, subd. 16. This section does not apply to the <br /> scattering of remains in a dedicated cemetery or at sea. Id. <br /> 138205 <br /> •,,,.. . <br />