An increasing number of complaints about dog fouling and anti-social behaviour at Gloucester Old Cemetery have prompted warnings for dog owners to act responsibly when visiting the site.
Gloucester Old Cemetery, also known as Tredworth Road Cemetery, serves as a place for many to remember loved ones and spend quiet moments at the graves of family and friends. However, recent months have seen reports of graves fouled by dog mess, dogs urinating on memorials, and large dogs roaming off-lead throughout the cemetery grounds.
The council has been contacted multiple times by bereaved families expressing distress over these incidents. Staff have also reported encountering dog mess frequently while maintaining the cemetery. Additionally, some visitors have felt intimidated by uncontrolled dogs, particularly larger breeds.
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In response, Gloucester City Council has installed signage throughout the cemetery reminding visitors that dogs must be kept on leads and that failure to comply may result in enforcement action. Unfortunately, these signs have been repeatedly vandalised with black spray paint, necessitating ongoing maintenance to ensure messages remain visible.
Declan Wilson, deputy leader and cabinet member for resources at Gloucester City Council, stated: “Gloucester Old Cemetery should be a place of dignity, respect and quiet reflection for those who have lost loved ones. It is heartbreaking when families find graves fouled or damaged by irresponsible behaviour. The vast majority of dog owners act responsibly, and we thank them. However, a small number continue to ignore the rules, causing distress and showing disrespect. We urge all dog owners to keep dogs on leads, keep them under control, and clean up after them to help ensure a respectful environment.”
Carly Hughes, bereavement service manager, added: “Each gravestone represents a loved and missed person, and every grave belongs to a family who may be grieving deeply. We ask all visitors to consider the impact of their actions and help preserve Gloucester Old Cemetery as a place of remembrance and peace.”
The council is also working closely with Gloucestershire Police to address reports of broader anti-social behaviour in the cemetery, aiming to maintain a safe and respectful environment for everyone.
Visitors experiencing abuse, threatening behaviour, or witnessing anti-social activities are encouraged to report incidents to the police immediately. The council appeals to all who use the cemetery to remember its solemn purpose and treat the grounds with the respect they deserve.