Council urges respect for bereaved families

For many people, the cemetery is a place to remember loved ones, reflect and spend precious moments at the graves of family and friends. However, in recent months, families have reported finding graves fouled by dogs, dogs urinating on memorials, and large dogs running freely around the cemetery grounds. 

These incidents are causing considerable distress and upset to bereaved families, many of whom have contacted the council to express their concerns. 

Cemetery staff have also received reports of visitors feeling intimidated by dogs running towards them, particularly larger breeds that are not being kept under control. In addition, contractors responsible for maintaining the cemetery are regularly encountering significant amounts of dog mess while carrying out their work. 

Council officers have installed signs throughout the cemetery reminding visitors that dogs must be kept on leads and that failure to do so may result in enforcement action. Unfortunately, these signs have repeatedly been vandalised with black spray paint, requiring staff to spend additional time and resources removing the graffiti so that the messages can remain visible. 

Declan Wilson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources at Gloucester City Council, said: "This situation is deeply upsetting. Gloucester Old Cemetery should be a place of dignity, respect and quiet reflection for those who have lost loved ones. 

“It is heart breaking to hear from families who arrive to pay their respects only to find graves that have been fouled or damaged by irresponsible behaviour. No one should have to experience that. 

“The vast majority of dog owners act responsibly, and we thank them for doing so. However, a small number of individuals are continuing to ignore the rules, causing distress to others and showing a lack of respect for the cemetery, the bereaved, and those who work to maintain the grounds. 

“We are asking all dog owners to keep their dogs on leads at all times, ensure they remain under control, and immediately clean up after them. These are simple actions that can make a significant difference to the experience of grieving families." 

Carly Hughes, Bereavement Service Manager at Gloucester City Council, said: "Every gravestone represents a person who was loved and is missed. Every grave belongs to a family who may be carrying a lifetime of grief. We ask everyone visiting the cemetery to consider the impact their actions can have on others and to help us preserve Gloucester Old Cemetery as a place of remembrance, dignity and peace." 

The council is also aware of reports of anti-social behaviour within the cemetery and is continuing to work closely with Gloucestershire Police to address these concerns and ensure the cemetery remains a safe and respectful environment for all visitors. 

Visitors who experience abuse, threatening behaviour or witness anti-social behaviour are encouraged to report incidents to the police when they occur. 

The council is now appealing to everyone who uses Gloucester Old Cemetery to remember its purpose and treat the grounds with the respect they deserve.