Issue - meetings

Council considered recommendations that had been agreed at two separate meetings of the Executive Committee held on 23^rd February 2026 and on 2^nd March 2026, immediately prior to the Council meeting.

Pet Cremation

A report proposing the introduction of a Pet Cremation service was considered.  Members noted that this would add to the service that was already provided at the Redditch Crematorium to people.  The pet cremator would involve the use of separate equipment to that which was used for humans.  The pet cremation service, once introduced, would involve the provision of a compassionate service designed to meet the needs of local residents.

In considering the report, Members were asked to note that the UK pet cremation service was expected to grow over the coming decades as owners would be aiming to use a dignified method to lay their pets to rest.  The cremator that would be purchased for the service was considered to be cost effective and was manufactured in the UK.  The payback period for the cremator was reported to be good and it was anticipated that by month five the service would break even, with a steady income stream being provided to the Council thereafter.

During consideration of this item questions were raised about how long urns containing the ashes of people’s pets would be stored at the Redditch Crematorium.  Questions were also raised about the potential for owners to scatter their pets’ ashes and the land where this could be undertaken.  In addition, reference was made to pet cremation services in other parts of the country and whether lessons had been learned when reviewing the potential to introduce this service in the Borough.  In response, Members were advised that there might be the potential to expand the service in the long-term, although the initial aim would be to introduce the service.  The Council would aim to return a pet’s ashes to their owner as soon as possible.

Consideration was given to the introduction of a new cremator for the service and the implications that this could have for carbon emissions in the Borough.  Questions were raised about whether the cremator that would be used was the most energy efficient option available to use. Furthermore, concerns were raised about whether use of the pet cremator represented the most appropriate way to process animal fatalities arising from collisions on the highways. The potential for the energy arising from the use of the pet cremation service to contribute to energy mitigation measures at the Abbey Stadium was also highlighted and Members queried whether this option had been explored.  In relation to animal fatalities on the roads, Members were informed that this would result in financial savings as the current contract involved the transportation of animals outside the county.  The use of a pet cremator would also assist with addressing problems arising in relation to bird flu.  Members were assured that every effort would be made to invest in a new cremator which would be more energy efficient  ...  view the full minutes text for item 77