HF3958

Purpose

To allow public and private cemeteries in Minnesota to bury certain pets (dogs, cats, and chickens) with a human body or human cremated remains as part of green burial practices, under specified conditions.

Main provisions

• Public cemeteries (Section 1):

  • A public cemetery may bury a domesticated dog or cat (normally kept in or near the owner's home) or a chicken no more than 72 hours after death with a human body if:
  • the animal is not embalmed,
  • the remains are placed in a biodegradable container (casket or shroud) with the human body, or in a separate biodegradable container or shroud,
  • the burial is not in a vault or outer burial container.
  • Cremated remains of such an animal may be buried with a human body or human cremated remains if the remains are in a biodegradable container or shroud.
  • A chicken buried under this provision is exempt from certain Minnesota Rules (parts 1721.0690 to 1721.0740).

• Private cemeteries (Section 2):

  • A private cemetery may bury a domesticated dog or cat or a chicken under the same conditions as above, with:
  • no embalming,
  • placement in a biodegradable container or in a separate biodegradable container or shroud,
  • no vault or outer burial container.
  • Cremated remains of such animals may be buried with a human body or human cremated remains if the remains are in a biodegradable container or shroud.
  • A chicken buried under this provision is exempt from certain Minnesota Rules (parts 1721.0690 to 1721.0740).

Significant changes to existing law

• Creates new allowances in Minnesota law for pet green burials in both public and private cemeteries.
• Establishes requirements to ensure environmentally friendly burial practices (biodegradable containers/shrouds, no embalming, no outer burial containers or vaults).
• Extends to both whole remains (dog/cat/chicken) and cremated remains.
• Includes exemptions for chickens from specific state burial-rule requirements.

Practical considerations

• Cemeteries will need policy updates to handle pet green burials.
• Funerary providers may offer biodegradable containers and related services.
• The provisions emphasize environmentally friendly burial methods and limit only to non-embalmed, biodegradable options.

Terminology and concepts (key terms)

• Green burial
• Biodegradable casket
• Biodegradable container
• Shroud
• Embalming (not allowed)
• Outer burial container
• Vault
• Cremated remains
• Dog, cat, chicken (domesticated)
• Public cemetery
• Private cemetery
• Minnesota Rules parts 1721.0690 to 1721.0740

Relevant Terms - green burial - biodegradable container - shroud - biodegradable casket - embalming - outer burial container - vault - cremated remains - domesticated dog - domesticated cat - chicken - public cemetery - private cemetery - Minnesota Rules parts 1721.0690 to 1721.0740