Kentucky County Steps Up To Pay Unfunded Mandate From Federal Government's New BSE Rule
As we say out West, "This isn't our first rodeo." So when it comes to regulations we are always interested in what happens in the actual implementation of new rules and whether or not there are any unintended consequences.
That is why we are watching for impacts of the the new so-called "BSE" rule requiring livestock renderers and animal feed manufacturers to remove the brain and spinal cord from cows 30 months and older. We reported on the delay to June 26th for implementing the new rule here.
What has us interested is the fact that the rule applies to the disposal of dead cows, horses, pigs, goats and whatever by renderers. How this is going to impact rural America remains to be seen.
Montgomery County, KY is stepping up with a long-time solution. County government has decided to continue its service of disposing of dead animals for free.
They figure taxpayers won't mind paying for the service as it will both prevent any nasty night-time disposal practices and preserve the rural, horse-ranching countryside.
Mark Hicks, writing in the Clarksville, Ky Leaf Chronicle today, reports that:
Other than farmers, not many people think about how to dispose of a dead cow or horse that would likely weigh more than 1,000 pounds.
"It's a valuable service," Palmyra farmer Bobby Wall said. "It's more practical to have the cattle removed. It cuts down on the odor and the buzzards don't take everything — they leave bones and other pieces."
Extension Agent John Bartee lobbied Commissioners to continue the service after the BSE rule takes effect even though it will cost the Montgomery County twice as much once the new rule is in place. Check out The Leaf Chronicle story here.
