BCHS Pet Cemetery
Find information regarding the Pettit Landfill as it pertains to the pet cemetery below. For questions, contact info@bartholomewhumane.org
Documents
PET CEMETERY FAQ
What happened?
In 2015, BCHS was notified of environmental issues in and around the cemetery grounds as a result of an "antique" landfill under the ground that needed to be rectified. Additionally, IDEM notified BCHS that no further burials should take place due to safety concerns. This landfill is one of over 2,000 landfills throughout the state of Indiana that need reparations given its age. Right now, there is runoff from this landfill creating "leachates" that breed bacteria and chemicals that can be harmful to humans, animals, plants, and crops.
Can bodies of animals buried there be exhumed?
In short, no. While this is physically possible, it is highly inadvisable as the risk to the human beings that would need to perform the exhumation is too high.
Do you have a dedicated space for burials and memorials?
Our Shelter Director, Shawn Bliton, is working with BCHS Board Members and Staff to create a memorial available to the public. We are working towards a spring 2025 ceremony for this new space! Stay tuned for more information on this.
What happens next?
BCHS will continue to work closely with IDEM on next steps to understand how to best address the environmental issues and rehabilitation of the landfill itself. Simultaneously, BCHS will work to consolidate any and all records on the cemetery for public consumption on our website.