New York rules pet cemeteries 'can bury human ashes'

Officials in New York have finalised rules allowing pet cemeteries to accept the cremated remains of humans, according to local newspaper the Daily News.

The cemeteries can reportedly bury pet owners' ashes as long as they do not charge a fee and do not advertise human burial services.

New York's Division of Cemeteries banned human burials at pet cemeteries in 2011, but later relaxed the rule on a limited basis and began working on a permanent solution.

Ed Martin, owner of the 117-year-old Hartsdale Pet Cemetery in Westchester County, told the newspaper he receives five or six requests a year from people who want to have their ashes buried with those of their pets.