Being Buried with Bowser

Some people simply love their pets to death according to the Associated Press (January 24, 2009) because of a new law SB 5063 being proposed in Washington State which would allow pets to be buried with their owners when they die.

When Hotel Magnate Leona Helmsley died she left her entire $12 millon dollar fortune to her companion, a little Maltese she called Trouble. Although her Last Will and Testament stipulated that her dog be put to rest alongside her when it died, her state regulations would not allow the executors to do so because funeral homes have restrictions against burying pets in human cemeteries.

According to OregonLive.com, when Washington State Senator Ken Jacobsen's beloved cat died, he decided to enact legislation that would allow pets to be interred alongside their owners in the grave. Senate Bill 5063 was introduced to the legislators in Olympia for consideration on January 12, 2009 and the substitute Bill passed the Senate on January 26. It has now moved to the Rules Committee for further consideration.

Basically, Senate Bill 5063 amends the Revised Code of Washington 68.50 to allow for burial of pet remains and amends RCW 68.04 which designates that the term "pet remains" includes cats and dogs. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals have supported this Bill alongside other animal rights activists and pet lovers. The bill's detractors were concerned over certain religious customs such as for Muslims, which find burying people with their pets offensive. There was also discussion about respecting the privacy of nearby graves.

State Senator Ken Jacobsen is a Democrat from the 46th Legislative District. He is no stranger to animal-friendly laws and even tried to pass legislation two years ago which would have allowed leashed pets to accompany their owners into bars and restaurants which failed. People with disabilities who own service animals were not affected by this proposed legislation because they already have the right to enter public places with their animals. Working dogs are not considered "pets" under State guidelines and are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Sen. Jacobsen is a heavy-set, easy-going man. You can tell he has a deep affection for animals by watching the few videos found on-line and a respectful pet eulogy included on his website blog. If the Washington Bill passes the Rules Committee it will be the second state to have such a law. Florida already allows for pets to be buried alongside their master's place of eternal rest. My only concern is that the surviving pet not be euthanized in order to accommodate such a request and that people who also love their horses, snakes and hamsters do not try to extend the Bill any further than what Jacobsen has proposed here.