Disposing of a dead rabbit sounds simple, but like any task, there is a right way and a wrong way to go about it. Many people think they can dump a dead rabbit in the garbage, but this is illegal in some areas and could lead to sanitation problems. Leaving a rabbit body to decompose is another bad idea, as it could attract flies, vultures, coyotes and other unsavory characters. Burial is the best do-it-yourself method, but there are other options if you are willing to pay.

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Disposing of dead rabbits

Bury the animal in your backyard wrapped in a blanket
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Bury the animal in your yard. Animals buried in the ground will eventually decompose. Be sure to dig a hole 3 to 4 feet deep, so it will not attract coyotes, dogs or vultures. Wrap the rabbit in a blanket or towel to further decrease the chance of attracting scavengers.

Local authorities can dispose of a dead rabbit for you
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Contact the animal control office in your area. Animal control staff will dispose of the rabbit, but you may have to pay a fee.

Dead pets can be buried in a pet cemetary
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Arrange to have the rabbit buried in a pet cemetery. This way, you can return and pay homage to the family pet. According to the House Rabbit Network, many pet cemeteries have peaceful gardens, and a tombstone can be purchased.

  • Bury the animal in your yard.
  • According to the House Rabbit Network, many pet cemeteries have peaceful gardens, and a tombstone can be purchased.
A veterinary hospital can dispose or create the dead rabbit
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Take the rabbit to a veterinary hospital, and have the rabbit either disposed of or cremated. Sometimes vets will dispose of a body for free, but most often there is a charge. If the rabbit was a pet and it is cremated, the owner can either scatter the ashes or store them in an urn.

TIP

Covering the dead body in lime will help control the bad odour. If the rabbit dies in the winter, it can be kept frozen in a freezer until the ground thaws enough to dig a hole.

WARNING

Some communities may prohibit burial of animals in your yard.