Falkirk Council: Bonnybridge woman wants to open horse cremation facility in Bankside

Applicant Susan Reed currently runs her own business, Equine Recovery Service, based in Bonnybridge, which offers a collection service to owners whose beloved horses have died.

The application to Falkirk Council says that Mrs Reed was inspired to set the company up after the loss of her own horse, when she found that her only option was to go to the local knackery.

The planning application states: “Horse owners who ride for pleasure regard their animals as large pets and are looking for a similar service to that they would expect for a cat or dog – sympathetic, discreet and trustworthy.”

However, until now ERS has been using a third party cremator in the north of England for the final part of the horses’ journey.

Now, Susan and her husband David – a retired vet who worked in Falkirk – have set up a new company, Pet and Equine Cremations Scotland Ltd, to bring all parts of the service in-house.

They hope to open in 2 Castle Place, Bankside Industrial Estate, Falkirk and say the central location will allow them to provide a service across Central Scotland and beyond.

They have also assured planners that the operation will be out of sight of the public and will not impact on neighbours in any way as the cremation process has low emissions and no smell. The proposal has been discussed with SEPA who have said they have no concerns.

The application says that ERS currently employs three people and it is hoped the new venture will employ at least two or three more to start with.

While the service will be for horses, the application says that other pets may be included in the longer term.