Military considering new cremation policies

By LOLITA C. BALDOR, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Associated Press has learned that the Pentagon is recommending changes in the handling of troops' remains. The change comes after it was revealed that crematoriums contracted by the military are used for both human and animal cremations.

A military official says there have been no instances or charges that human and pet remains were mixed. But officials are now recommending that troops' remains be sent on to their local funeral homes for cremation in order to avoid any appearance of a problem.

The Dover Air Force Base Port Mortuary, where troops' remains arrive from the battlefield, does not have its own crematorium, so it contracts with two funeral homes for the cremations.

Story Published: May 9, 2008 at 3:42 PM PDT

Story Updated: May 9, 2008 at 3:42 PM PDT