Dog owners are being called upon to act responsibly following a rise in complaints about dog fouling and other anti-social behaviours at Gloucester Old Cemetery, also known as Tredworth Road Cemetery.
For many local families, the cemetery is a place to remember loved ones and spend time reflecting at gravesites. However, recent months have seen reports from mourners of dogs fouling graves, urinating on memorials, and large dogs roaming the grounds uncontrolled.
Gloucester City Council has received several distressed reports from bereaved families affected by these incidents. The council emphasises the importance of showing respect and consideration when visiting the cemetery, which should remain a dignified and peaceful environment.
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In addition to the distress caused to families, cemetery staff have noted incidents where visitors felt intimidated by dogs running towards them, particularly larger breeds that are not kept under control. Contractors maintaining the cemetery have also encountered significant amounts of dog waste during their work.
To address these issues, council officers have installed signs throughout the cemetery reminding visitors to keep dogs on leads. Unfortunately, these signs have been repeatedly vandalised with black spray paint, necessitating extra effort and resources to maintain clear messaging.
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 heartbreaking to hear from families who arrive to pay their respects only to find graves 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 are continuing to ignore the rules, causing distress and showing a lack of respect for the cemetery, the bereaved, and staff maintaining the grounds.
“We are asking all dog owners to keep their dogs on leads at all times, ensure they remain under control, and clean up after them immediately. These simple actions significantly improve the experience for grieving families.”
Carly Hughes, bereavement service manager at the council, added: “Every gravestone marks a person who was loved and is missed, and every grave belongs to a family perhaps carrying a lifetime of grief.
“We ask all visitors to consider how their actions affect others and help preserve Gloucester Old Cemetery as a place of remembrance, dignity and peace.”
The council is also aware of anti-social behaviour occurring at the cemetery and is working closely with Gloucestershire Police to tackle these concerns and maintain a safe, respectful environment for all visitors.
Visitors experiencing abuse, threatening behaviour, or witnessing anti-social acts are encouraged to report incidents promptly to the police. The council appeals to everyone who uses Gloucester Old Cemetery to remember its solemn purpose and treat the grounds with the respect they deserve.