It will soon be legal for pet owners in New York state to be buried with their beloved animals. Regulations approved recently in the state legislature allow pet cemeteries to accept the cremated remains of people who wish to spend eternity with their pets.
SPCA Serving Erie County Director of Public Relations Gina Browning says she is not surprised by that desire. Browning says pet owners often talk about their animals meaning more to them than other people.
"There are people who call us and tell us that no family member has helped them the way animals have helped them," Browning said. "Family members have been rude or nasty to them, where pets always loved them. Pets showed them devotion they never received from people."
Under the new law pet cemeteries can accept the remains but cannot charge a fee for human burial and can not advertise their human burial services.
Once signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the new law would take effect in August.
