Arran dog walkers are reminded to be respectful in cemeteries

Pet owners in Arran are being asked to show respect while they are in burial grounds

with dogs.

North Ayrshire Council is responsible for 45 cemeteries and churchyards, including

seven on Arran.

Signs have recently been installed at a number of Arran facilities after the Council’s

Streetscene teams received reports of dogs - that are being walked by their owners

– being allowed to foul and urinate on top of graves, extendable leads toppling

headstones or damaging surroundings and grass being left stained and unsightly.

Councillor Tony Gurney, Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy, said:

“We are appealing to the minority of irresponsible dog owners to respect our

cemeteries as a result of complaints being received.

“We know that cemeteries offer a tempting place for people to walk their pets

because they are enclosed and secure. However, when doing so we would expect

those walking their dogs to act responsibly.

“There have been instances where people haven’t cleaned up after their pet

properly, and the resulting mess can be very upsetting for people who then visit a

grave to maintain it or pay their respects to a loved one.

“Dogs should not be allowed onto the grass in cemeteries to run around, however

they can be walked on the footpaths as long as they are on an appropriate length of

lead.

“We have received some distressing complaints from people visiting graves and we

are asking is for dog owners and walkers to be respectful – and most already are.”

• The rules on the Bereavement Services signs state:

• Leads must be no longer than 1.5m

• No extendable leads are permitted at any time

• Dogs are not allowed on the grass

  
  

• Cemetery grounds can’t be used to exercise dogs and

  Those in charge of a dog must clean up any excrement immediately and

  dispose of it responsibly.