Losing a beloved pet is never easy.
Whether it’s the family dog or a cat you’ve had since high school, our pets are there for us. But eventually the moment comes when it’s time to say goodbye.
What do you do afterward?
There are options, including burial. However, is it even legal to bury a pet in your back yard in South Carolina?
Here’s what the law has to say about it.
Pet burial in South Carolina
South Carolina is one of several states that has no law prohibiting the burial of pets on your property. The Palmetto State does however have laws regarding how to properly bury or dispose of animals.
SC Code Section 44-29-30 states that the owner of any animal or poultry that dies, except in the case of being slaughtered for use, must immediately bury or burn the body.
“When buried, an animal shall be put not less than 3 feet and poultry not less than 1 foot under the ground,” the law states.
The law adds that anyone who owns an animal that dies on their property, but does not dispose of it in a timely manner, is guilty of a misdemeanor and could face a fine between $5 and $100 or be imprisoned for as much as 30 days.