What do you do with a dead horse?
There are only a few options for the disposal of a dead horse - burial, rendering, burning or taking your horse to a landfill. Hopefully you'll have time to make the decision before you need to deal with the problem.

Burial
In the Yellow Pages, under "dirt work" or "land clearing" will be a list of people with backhoes. Find someone willing to come out to dig a hole at least 6 feet deep. We recommend calling an equine vet for references. More than likely, they will know who is willing to help you bury your horse.

Depending on how far they need to drive, they'll charge between $100 to $200. Visit a feed store to buy a couple bags of lime to pour over the body. If you're within city limits, there may be restrictions against burial. You could be asked to dig the body up and remove it. Is there someone you know with property in the country?

Burning
It can be done, but it takes a LONG time. The stench is very real and it isn't recommended. As far as we know, there are no cremation services for horses in Texas. If you know of one, please contact us.

Landfill
If your area landfill allows it, you may dispose of your horse here. This is the least expensive method. Most of them are now taking dogs and cats from the shelters, so a horse won't make much of a difference. The State of Texas is currently trying to pass a law making this illegal. Call your county health department, the landfill, garbage pickup, or whomever is in charge of waste disposal in your area to find out the details.

Rendering
Some people are totally against rending while others are totally for it. Rendering, the using of the meat to feed other animals, is a very cost effective way to dispose of a body. Zoos desperately need the meat for their carnivorous animals, such as the big cats. The skin, hooves, and bones can all be used. Above all, they will come pick up the body for a small price. It must be within a set amount of time, usually 24 hours.

In Texas a person must be licensed by the state to pick up dead horses. They would like to pick the horse up as soon as possible after death so it's best to arrange pickup with them, if possible, prior to putting your horse down. They will charge for this service, so talk about price before they come.

Currently removing horses
Texas Bi-Product
515 Pontiac Ave.
Dallas, TX
Dallas County
214.943.6300

East Texas Stock Removal
Route 6 270
Sulphur Springs, TX 75492
Hopkin County

The following have the same contact phone number - 806.364.0951
Dublin Stock Removal - Erath County
Plainview Bi-products - Hale County
Abilene Bi-products - Taylor County
Tom Greene Processing - Tom Green County
Froina Bi-Products - Palmer County
Stratford Bi-Products - Sherman County

Jan Kearney
P.O. Box 193
Josephine, Tx
Collin, Dallas and Tarrant County
972.843.8073

Valley By Products
P.O. Box 628
Canutillo, Tx
El Paso County
915.877.3131

RP Rendering
Georgetown, TX 512.887.4390

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