No. Burying a pet in your yard is prohibited under South Dakota’s Animal Industry Board regulations (ARSD 12:02:01:07), which classify domestic animal carcasses as waste requiring licensed disposal. Violations may result in fines up to $500 under SDCL 40-1-38, enforced by local environmental health departments.
Key Regulations for Burying a Pet in Your Yard in South Dakota
- Prohibited disposal method: ARSD 12:02:01:07 explicitly bans on-site burial of pet remains, mandating licensed rendering, cremation, or landfill deposition.
- Enforcement agencies: Violations are investigated by the South Dakota Animal Industry Board in coordination with county environmental health offices, with penalties escalating for repeat offenses.
- Alternative compliance: Pet owners must use state-approved facilities (e.g., licensed rendering plants or veterinary disposal services) to avoid legal liability under SDCL 34A-6-15.