Ask the news - Sept. 24

Is it OK to bury your deceased pet in your yard in Clovis?

In a word: No.

According to a Clovis city ordinance, when a pet is deceased its remains become classified as garbage and garbage and/or rubbish, according to the ordinance, is not allowed to be buried in Clovis.

“Animal Control advised they will pick up (deceased) pets if the people call them,” City Manager Justin Howalt wrote in an email.

Howalt attached the specific ordinance prohibiting the burial of pet remains to the email.

The ordinance outlines the definitions of garbage and rubbish.

“Garbage means and includes all waste food and all waste from the preparation, cooking and consumption of food and from the handling, storage and sale of food products, and carcasses of animals,” the ordinance reads.

The ordinance goes on to detail what is improper disposal of garbage.

“It is unlawful for any person to bury, throw, deposit or scatter garbage or rubbish or suffer the same to be buried, thrown, scattered, strewn about or deposited in or upon any premises under his control or in or upon the premises of any other person,” the ordinance reads.

Violation of the ordinance could result in the violator being fined up to $500, jailed for up to 90 days or both.

Faithful Friends Pet Crematory in Clovis will dispose of pet remains for a fee.

Some area veterinarians provide pet euthanization and disposal of remains for a fee.

Do you have a question for The News? Call 575-763-3431 or email: [email protected]