The exhumation of animals buried in the public area next to the Montalbo cemetery is being carried out for hygiene and health reasons. The Institute for Social Security (ISS) clarified this, noting that the operation is not connected to any expansion of the facility, for which no works are currently planned.
The Prevention Department, working through specialized companies, will proceed with the removal of graves and the exhumation of remains, which will be cremated.
Owners will be able to request the ashes to keep in a private space, once ownership of the remains has been verified. However, the costs of exhumation, transport and cremation will be borne by them.
The checks will also cover unclaimed animals: where possible, the ISS will try to trace the owners, who will be notified of the costs for recovering and disposing of the remains.
The Institute points out that decree no. 55/1996 does not allow the free burial of pets on public land.
For further information, you can contact the Prevention Department secretariat at 0549 994505, Monday to Friday from 8am to 2pm, or write to info.dp@iss.sm.
