EPA has taken action at a pet burial and cremation business near Lethbridge in the state’s south west. 

Bamganie Pets Cremation Service on Tall Tree Rd, Lethbridge was previously accepting pets for burial or cremation. 

EPA has met with the operator of the business, NVC/Vet Partners and advised them that, under the Environment Protection Act 2017, once a deceased animal is collected from a commercial veterinary operation for disposal, EPA considers that it falls within the classification of waste. 

Disposal of waste needs to occur at a ‘lawful place’ under the Act and the burial site at Bamganie does not have the permissions required for this activity. 

Once informed of this decision, NVC immediately indicated that they would comply with the Act by ceasing to accept animals for burial. 

EPA will maintain regulatory oversight of the closure and rehabilitation of the landfill. 

EPA officers who attended the site have not identified any immediate risk to human health or the environment.