Dog walkers are reminded to be respectful in cemeteries
Posted on 22 Feb 2024
Pet owners across North Ayrshire are being asked to show respect while they are in burial grounds with dogs.
North Ayrshire Council is responsible for 44 cemeteries and churchyards.
New signsregarding dogs have been installed at Knadgerhill Cemetery in Stanecastle, Irvine, and Ardrossan Cemetery in Sorbie Road and signage is scheduled to be erected at other locations.
The Council’s Streetscene teams have received distressing reports of dogs - that are being walked by their owners – being allowed to foul and urinate on top of graves, extendable leads damaging headstones and grass being left stained and unsightly.
Councillor Tony Gurney, Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy, said: “We know that cemeteries offering a tempting place for people to walk their pets because they are enclosed and safe.
“Dogs should not be allowed onto the grass to run around, however they can be walked on the footpaths as long as they are on an appropriate length of lead.
“All we are asking is for owners to be respectful – and most already are.”
The management rules on the signs state:
- Only dogs on an appropriate lead are permitted within cemetery grounds
- Leads must be no longer than 1.5m
- Extendable leads are not allowed
- Dogs must stay off the grass and
- Grounds can’t be used to exercise dogs.
The Council can issue a Fixed Penalty Notice of £80 for dog fouling.
In 2023, the Council issued 367 FPNs for littering offences - 22 for dog fouling, 250 for fly-tipping and 95 for littering.
To report dog fouling or a full dog bin, please visit the Council's website