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Unicameral Update
March 4, 2010
Additional options for ranchers needing to dispose of livestock would be available under a bill receiving general file approval March 4.
Current law requires that livestock owners bury or incinerate animals within 36 hours after learning of their death. Statute also permits the incorporation of carcasses up to 600 pounds into compositing facilities located on the premises where the animal died. Only licensed rendering companies are authorized to move animal carcasses from the property where they died.
LB882, introduced by Tekamah Sen. Kent Rogert, would permit an animal’s carcass to be buried, incinerated or incorporated into a compost facility on the premises where it died or upon an adjacent property owned or controlled by the animal’s owner.
The bill would permit a rendering company to transport a carcass to a licensed landfill that accepts carcasses. It also would remove the 600-pound limit for incorporation into a composting facility.
The bill would require that vehicles used to transport carcasses ensure that contents are covered and will not fall, leak or spill. Transporters found in violation of this provision would be charged with traffic infractions.
Fullerton Sen. Annette Dubas spoke is support of the bill, saying it addressed an important need.
“It really is an issue that is critical, especially to those of us involved in livestock operations,” she said.
An Agriculture Committee amendment, adopted 38-0, would permit a veterinary clinic or veterinary diagnostic laboratory to use alkaline hydrolysis to dispose of carcasses.
Rogert offered an amendment to the committee amendment, adopted 37-0, which would set Oct. 1, 2010, as the operative date for the bill.
LB882 was advanced on a 40-0 vote.