NY Lifts Ban on Burying Human Ashes in Pet Cemeteries, to Pet Lovers' Delight

kitten angel.jpg
New York state has OK'd the burying of human ashes in pet cemeteries, reversing a ban put in place earlier this year. According to an AP report, the decision comes after one lawyer's campaign to honor the wishes of her late uncle, who wanted to be buried next to his wife and their two dogs. One cat lover told the Post that the ban's reversal "was sort of like an early Christmas present."

There are restrictions on the practice still; pet cemeteries can't advertise that they accept human remains nor charge a fee for doing so, and they have to warn customers that by choosing the pet cemetery as their final resting place they would give up certain protections (e.g. restrictions on removal).

At the Hartsdale Pet Cemetery in Westchester, the oldest in the nation apparently, dozens of people who are into the idea of being buried in a pet cemetery "applauded" the ban's reversal this past weekend. More than 500 people are buried in that cemetery.

[rgray@villagevoice.com] [@_rosiegray]

Go to Runnin' Scared for more Voice news coverage.


My Voice Nation Help
0 comments

From the Vault

 

©2013 Village Voice, LLC, All rights reserved.
Browse Voice Nation
  • Voice Places New York

    Voice Places

    Find everything you're looking for in your city

  • Happy Hour App

    Happy Hour App

    Find the best happy hour deals in your city

  • Daily Deals

    Daily Deals

    Get today's exclusive deals at savings of anywhere from 50-90%

  • Best Of

    Best Of...

    Check out the hottest list of places and things to do around your city