Pet crematorium plan under consideration
Award-winning bereavement services in Newcastle-under-Lyme could further expand by offering pet cremations for the first time.
Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council is developing detailed proposals for a separate cremation facility for animals within the picturesque grounds of Bradwell Crematorium.
The new scheme – the first of its kind in the borough – intends to provide local people with an enhanced level of service where individual cremations can be organised within a few days, with the ability to collect deceased animals from vet practices, as well as the option to say goodbye from an oak-framed private room.
Cabinet is now being asked to approve an outline business case with one dedicated pet cremator for up to 50kgs, plus a secondary chamber to accommodate smaller animals.
The facility would be in a separate location to the existing crematorium, use entirely different equipment and run on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), a renewable and biodegradable fuel.
Research shows that at least half of owners hold funerals, or memorials, to celebrate and honour the life of their beloved pets.
Cllr. David Hutchison, Cabinet member for Sustainable Environment, said:
The council is proud to provide a range of high-quality bereavement services which are reviewed regularly to ensure that residents can mourn, and celebrate, their loved ones in a respectful, dignified and highly personalised way.
We are a nation of animal lovers; dogs, cats, rabbits and other species can be as much a part of the family as any other member which is why we’re looking to further support residents, like other councils have, by introducing a pet crematorium. There is a growing requirement for this specialist provision, especially locally where there are a limited number of options available some miles outside of the borough.
Like human cremations, the aim is to provide a professional, bespoke service but I would like to stress that the facilities would operate separately from each other, with absolutely no crossover. Our proposed premium service for pets is significantly above and beyond what’s available on the market, including a guaranteed return of individual ashes.
Using HVO is one of the latest examples of how we’re taking practical measures to reduce the carbon footprint of our estate and operations as we work towards becoming carbon neutral by 2030. We’re also actively exploring other sustainability measures, such as heat pump technology, to offset any residual emissions.”
The project is included in the council’s capital programme. The proposed fees and charges are broadly in line with industry standards.
Cllr. Stephen Sweeney, Cabinet member for Finance, Town Centres and Growth, added:
Providing a pet crematorium in Newcastle-under-Lyme would fill a gap in local provision while supporting wider service delivery for residents as set out in the Corporate Plan.”
A regulatory licence from Defra, and planning permission, are required to run a pet crematorium.