(1) Dead animals, except if contained in a drum, barrel, or similar container, shall be transferred from 1 vehicle to another only at a licensed facility.

    (2) All dead animals, except as provided in subsection (3), shall be disposed of within 24 hours after death by any of the following:

    (a) Burial not less than 2 feet below the natural surface of the ground according to rules promulgated under this act.

    (b) Burning in an appropriate licensed or permitted incinerator in compliance with part 55 of the natural resources and environmental protection act, 1994 PA 451, MCL 324.5501 to 324.5542. Residue from the burning process shall be disposed of by burial as provided in subdivision (a) or in a manner approved by the director.

    (c) Composting methods.

    (d) Procuring the services of a licensed dead animal dealer.

    (e) Procuring the services of a licensed rendering plant.

    (f) Procuring the services of a licensed animal food manufacturing plant.

    (3) The following dead animals are not subject to the requirements of subsection (2):

    (a) Small mammals, deer, and birds taken under the authority of a damage and nuisance animal control permit issued by the Michigan department of natural resources pursuant to part 401 of the natural resources and environmental protection act, 1994 PA 451, MCL 324.40101 to 324.40119.

    (b) Small mammals, cervidae, and birds, that are road kill.

    (c) Dead animals kept in secured temporary cold storage of 4.5 degrees Celsius, 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or below for a maximum of 7 days or frozen and securely stored at minus 11 degrees Celsius, 0 degrees Fahrenheit, or below for a maximum of 30 days.

    (d) Restaurant grease.

    (e) Dead animals used as specimens at educational institutions.