Animal by-products; application for a derogation for the cremation of an equine animal

The obligation to dispose of animal by-products is the responsibility of the districts and independent cities. They have transferred the disposal obligation to private companies. The carcasses of dead equidae (horses, donkeys, mules, zebras and zebroids) must be handed over to these companies by the animal owner.

It is possible to apply for an exemption permit in accordance with the Animal By-products Disposal Act (TierNebG) for the collection and cremation of an equine animal in an approved incineration facility (e.g. animal crematorium). It is not possible to obtain an exemption from the basic disposal obligation in advance, i.e. before the animal dies. The collection of a dead equid from a Chemical Veterinary and Investigation Office (CVUA) for cremation is also excluded for epidemic hygiene reasons.

If equidae are not collected immediately for cremation, they must be stored in an intermediate treatment facility for Category 1 or 2 material, in the veterinary practice or in the veterinary training facility in such a way that they are protected from the weather and cannot come into contact with people or animals without authorization.

• The following documents are required:
  • Copy of the equine passport
  • veterinary certificate

• There must be no epidemiological reasons that preclude the collection of the equid.
• Presence of an equine passport

• You submit the application for approval of an exemption from the disposal obligation to the competent authority.
• If the application is approved, the competent authority will grant you the exemption.

The exemption must be applied for immediately after the death of the equine animal.