Thoughtless Angus pet owners allowing their dogs to run amok amongst graves have been accused of “downright ignorance”.
Mourners at Arbroath’s Western Cemetery are being left upset by dogs running over graves, soiling headstones and knocking down personal mementos.
Dog walkers have now been urged to “reflect on the emotional impact this behaviour can have on people who are grieving” and walk their pets in “more appropriate places”.
Angus Council said the behaviour was “unacceptable” when Councillor David Fairweather raised the issue after being contacted by grieving families.
Mr Fairweather said: “I have had three separate calls from constituents raising concerns about people allowing their dogs to run over graves and soil gravestones.
“Not only is it disrespectful it is downright ignorance and I hope that the culprit dog owners stop this practice immediately.
“It beggars belief that people are too lazy to walk just a few yards from the cemetery gates to the entrance of Hercules Den where dogs can be exercised and dog bins are available.”
One mourner, who did not wish to be named, said: “We buried our mum just a few months ago and I’m disgusted at the way some people use the cemetery as a dog walking site.
“When I was paying my respects at the grave last week, I counted seven dogs – four of which were off the lead and running among the gravestones.
“It’s selfish, thoughtless and disgraceful behaviour, especially when bereaved people are visiting the graves of loved ones.
“People should reflect on the emotional impact this behaviour can have on people who are grieving, and walk their dogs in more appropriate places.”
Another mourner said: “It seems shocking and disrespectful to allow dogs off the lead and let them run round cemeteries and defecate on graves.
“I think the visible presence of a dog warden would be a good deterrent and remind people to show respect.”
An Angus Council spokesman said the vast majority of people who attend at the county’s cemeteries “do so with respect and consideration for the departed, their relatives and friends, as well as for the memorials and gardens”.
He said: “To behave in any other way is unacceptable.
“Dogs should always be kept under proper control in our parks and cemeteries and their owners should pick up after them if they foul and dispose of the waste properly.
“Not to do so is an offence and you can go to our website to report dog fouling online.
“Furthermore, if a dog has not been kept under control and is causing alarm or distress to you or someone else, report the incident to our dog warden by contacting us”
Dogs were banned from burial grounds across Perth and Kinross in 2005 after mourners complained about dog fouling in the area’s largest cemetery.
In 2014, a grieving family who were visiting Dunfermline Cemetery to pay their respects at a baby’s grave were horrified to find it covered in dog mess.es, with the exception of guide dogs, are prohibited from local graveyards because of the mess they leave behind.
