While it might be a nice idea of gathering the kids around and having a proper burial for your pet in your back yard, think twice because burying a pet in Lubbock is illegal.

Why, you might ask? Actually, the answer bears some merit.

As you know, our water table is a bit finicky here on the South Plains. According to Lubbock Animal Services' Assistant Director Kia Riemath, when an animal buried in the ground decomposes, the remains could drip down into the city's water system and contaminate it. Yuck!

Lubbock Animal Services used to pick up deceased animals for free for cremation. However, that practice stopped when the crematorium ceased to work.

Now, veterinarians and individuals alike may contact Lubbock Animal Services for pick up of deceased pets. These lost loved ones are frozen in large freezers and subsequently taken to the Lubbock landfill where they can be disposed of properly. Not as glamorous as a backyard burial, but understandably a lot safer for residents.

So, while it is an unsettling fact that you basically have to throw your loved ones in the trash when they pass on, it appears that this is pretty much your best (read: legal) option in Lubbock.

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