Animal Removal from Fire Impacted Areas
Deceased Animal Disposal
If you have deceased animals on your property, it is your responsibility to remove them within 24 to 48 hours. For safety and health reasons animals must be buried,
- in separate pits
- on sites with at least 5 acres to allow for setback and restrictions
- deep enough to cover the top of the carcass with 3 feet of compacted soil, earth, or ground to prevent invasion by other animals
- at least 100 feet from any standing or flowing water including streams, creeks, lakes, ponds, wells, and springs to prevent water contamination.
- at least 5 feet from any ground water to prevent contamination
- at least 25 feet from embankments, property lines, and structures other than homes
- at least 100 feet from homes, roads, and highways
Members of the public requiring removal of dead animals can call the County’s Department of Animal Services Emergency Dispatch at (619) 236-2341. Dispatchers will ask for the location of the animal, the type of animal, and number of animals to be removed.
For information on disposal services, cremation, and landfills accepting deceased animals, contact Solid Waste Local Enforcement Agency, (858) 495-5810.
For commercial livestock losses contact the County Veterinarian at (858) 694-2888.
