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N.Y. Pet Cemeteries Can Now Bury Human Ashes

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Some people refer to cats and dogs as their children. Now, they can spend eternity next to their furry family members.

As WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reported, a new state regulation allows pet cemeteries to bury human ashes along with deceased pets.

Pet Cemeteries Can Now Bury Human Ashes

The fight to reverse the ban against human burials at pet cemeteries began in 2011, when retired NYPD Officer Thomas Ryan wanted to be laid to rest next to his three dogs in Westchester County.

Attorney Taylor York told 1010 WINS reporter Gary Baumgarten that she took up the fight after her uncle was denied the right to be buried alongside his pets.

York argued that people have the right to have their ashes buried on private property. Pet cemeteries are private property, 1010 WINS' Baumgarten reported.

"They want to be buried beside their beloved pets who were faithful companions in life then they have the right to do so", said York.

N.Y. Pet Cemeteries Can Now Bury Human Ashes

Under the new rules, pet cemeteries can bury cremated remains of humans, as long as they do not charge a fee for human burial and do not advertise burial services.

But a state assemblyman said the state is overstepping its bounds in requiring a business to perform a service for free, CBS 2's John Slattery reported.

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