City Statement: Euthanized Animal Disposition

The City of Corpus Christi is aware of a recent media story highlighting a temporary measure being used to facilitate the disposition of euthanized animals at Animal Care Services.

The City is committed to the humane and responsible disposition of all animals under our care. Typically, animals euthanized at Animal Care Services (ACS) are cremated on-site. However, the ten-year-old cremation unit is currently awaiting its annual service.

Since February, ACS has been proactively working with the Florida manufacturer of cremation machinery, the sole source provider for this specialized equipment, to arrange for the necessary repairs. Because of the equipment's unique nature, only the manufacturer can perform the annual maintenance to maintain the equipment's warranty and limit liability.  Relying on a single provider can sometimes lead to temporary delays.

In the meantime, ACS is using the City Solid Waste Services Department to ensure environmentally conscious and timely disposition of these animals. This is a temporary measure until the manufacturer's maintenance is complete.

Solid Waste collects and disposes of deceased animals from all over the city, residents’ pets, 311 notifications, veterinary clinics,  and Animal Care Services.  All deceased animals are placed in a high-density plastic bag and placed in a small truck.  The truck delivers deceased animals to the Cefe Valenzuela Landfill, where they are disposed of in accordance with the Texas Administrative Code Chapter.  The landfill is a highly engineered facility that prevents any possible environmental contamination.

Many shelters do not even have cremation units. They are cost-prohibitive to purchase and require costly maintenance year after year.  Many nonprofits either pay for private services or utilize the solid waste department in their community.

Animal Care Services strictly adheres to all Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) guidelines and follows best practices for animal disposition. Utilizing municipal solid waste services as a temporary solution during equipment maintenance is a common and accepted practice among animal welfare organizations nationwide.  

The City is working diligently to expedite the maintenance of the cremation unit.

Respectful treatment of animals is the top priority of Animal Care Services.