It turns out the county already has an ordinance for large farm and non-farm animal burials.
Commissioners were set to approve a new ordinance for the burials at its regular monthly meeting last Tuesday night when it was discovered there is already a policy in place.
County Planning Director Lindsey Thomas said Pierce County’s Code of Ordinances already includes a policy for burial of animals on private property. The policy was approved in 1991. The policy says county employees and equipment can perform the burials provided the citizen making the request pays a fee of $150 to the county.
Commissioners had discussed at their December meeting setting a $200 fee for the service. Thomas was attending the Blackshear City Council meeting and was unable to attend the meeting, but she informed commissioners of the policy after hearing about the discussion at the meeting.
County Chairman Neal Bennett reported last month that the county receives 2-3 requests each year to bury large animals that have died. The requests are generally for horses. There was one request in 2022 and three requests in 2021.
Commissioners took no action on approving a new policy, meaning the current policy, including the $150 fee, will remain in place.
