How to report dead animals on public roads and what to do if they are on private property
How you report depends on where the animal is located.
- If the animal is on public land (roads, rights-of-way, and medians) you will want to report it to the correct agency
- If the animal is on private property, the property or animal owner will need to dispose of it
Unincorporated Hillsborough County
Report dead animals in public roads, rights-of-way, and medians
- Use our Animal Control and Services online form in the At Your Service system
- For the category, choose "Dead Animal"
In any city limits
In Tampa, Temple Terrace, Plant City, state roads or highways, call:
- City of Tampa - (813) 274-8211
- City of Temple Terrace - (813) 506-6420
- City of Plant City - (813) 659-4200
- Florida Department of Transportation - (813) 612-3200
On private property in unincorporated Hillsborough County:
Dead animals on private property in unincorporated Hillsborough County are the responsibility of the property or animal owner. The owner may wish to select a private service to cremate or bury it. Options may be found by searching online.
- The owner may wish to select a private service to cremate or bury it. Options may be found by searching online.
- If you live in unincorporated Hillsborough County and own the property, you may bury it. It will need to be at least 2 feet deep, and you will need to call 811 before digging, for your safety and to protect any underground utility lines from damage.
- If you are a customer of Hillsborough County’s trash and recycling services, you may double-bag the carcass and place it in your trash roll cart for pick up on your next scheduled service day.
Placing a dead animal in a public road, public right of way, or on County property is considered illegal dumping and is a misdemeanor crime.
How to safely dispose
Precautions for safe handling of dead animals from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission:
- When handling dead birds or other wildlife, work outdoors and try to stay upwind of the carcass
- When bagging the carcass, keep the open end of the bag away from your face
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling carcasses
- Do not store carcasses in a cooler, freezer, or refrigerator used for human or animal food, and wash hands thoroughly after handling
- Wash any clothing that comes into contact with the carcass with normal household detergent at normal temperatures
Steps for disposal of dead animals
- Open up two heavy plastic trash bags. Avoid touching the carcass with your bare hands.
- Pick up the carcass using disposable gloves or plastic bags worn on your hands
- Place the carcass in the first heavy plastic trash bag. Keep the open end of the bag pointed away from your face while tying securely.
- Remove gloves or plastic bags from your hands by turning them inside out
- Dispose of the gloves or plastic bags in the second heavy trash bag and place the first bag (containing the carcass) in the second bag
- Tie the second bag securely and place it in the garbage
If there are multiple carcasses to be disposed of, please first speak with your local waste management facility.