Safe Sites for Burial Ignored by MAFF

The Environment Agency compiled a list of 110 landfill sites where slaughtered animals could be buried without danger to health and the environment. But the MAFF admitted that only 27 of the sites are being used. Meanwhile, an investigation by 'The Independent on Sunday' has established that protests and problems are growing at the burning and burial sites being used for the carcasses. It also shows that most of the pyres are less than 11/4 miles from the nearest communities, again in breach of the Department of Health's rules.

Carcasses have had to be exhumed at Widdrington, Northumberland, because they were buried too close to a spring and will similarly be dug up at Buttington Hall, near Welshpool, after blood was found bubbling to the surface. At Chapman Well, County Durham, an unsuitable site - chosen by MAFF over better ones suggested by the local council - has had to be closed though the animals remain buried.

A pyre near Druridge Bay, Northumberland, was taken out of action after Castle Morpeth Borough Council threatened to take MAFF to court.

Source: The Independent on Sunday, 29 April 2001