Hello all you lovely 850 supporters (a new total, correct at the time of writing, and marching steadily on to that 1000!)

We need your help.

As we mentioned in our first weekly update, whilst we appreciate every single one of you signing the petition…signing a petition will not be enough.

We need to think of this petition as “the first tool in our toolbox”, and as we progress the campaign, introduce new “tools”.

This is where you come in.

Can we ask you all to write a “Letter of Support” to your local Edinburgh Councillor(s). We will make this as easy as possible for you. It should take you no longer than five minutes, and if you use our pre-written text below, even less.

Firstly, find your local Edinburgh Councillor(s) here: (it is easiest to use the “select a ward” drop down”), and note their email address.

https://democracy.edinburgh.gov.uk/mgFindMember.aspx

Then compose an email to them. You can either write your own text, copy and paste our template text below, or use a mixture of the two.

PLEASE NOTE – It is VERY important to include your full name and address in your email. Your Councillor needs to see this, to make sure you live in their Ward. If it is not included, they will ignore your email.

And lastly, drop us a quick email at noexercisingdogsincemeteries@gmail.com to let us know that you have sent a "Letter of Support".

The reason for this is that it will allow us to track the number of “Letters of Support” that have been sent to Edinburgh Council.

Just imagine if we could confidently say (just now) “850 Letters of Support have been sent to Councillors from Edinburgh residents” in future correspondence and meetings with Councillors, MP’s and MSP’s!  

Thank you,

Paul & Andy

Here is some template text for you to cut and paste into an email:

Dear [Councillor's Name],

Subject: Support for Edinburgh Council to reinstate the "No Dogs in Cemeteries" rule that was in place pre-Covid (with exceptions for dogs with mourners attending funerals or visiting loved ones, and assistance dogs).

I am writing to express my full support for the petition calling for Edinburgh Council to reinstate the "No Dogs in Cemeteries" rule that was in place pre-Covid (with exceptions for dogs with mourners attending funerals or visiting loved ones, and assistance dogs).

https://www.change.org/nodogsscottishcemeteries

As a resident of your ward who deeply values the sanctity and serenity of our final resting places, I believe it is imperative to uphold respectful boundaries within these sacred spaces.

Cemeteries hold profound significance for many individuals, serving as places of remembrance, solace, and reflection. Allowing dogs to be exercised within these grounds not only disrupts the tranquil atmosphere but also disrespects the memories of those laid to rest and their grieving loved ones.

It is entirely unnecessary, disrespectful, and unacceptable.

Furthermore, the presence of dogs in cemeteries raises concerns about potential damage to grave sites, mementos left, disturbance of flora and fauna, and the cleanliness of these hallowed grounds. It is essential to preserve the dignity and integrity of our cemeteries for both present and future generations.

I urge you to consider this matter with the utmost gravity and advocate for the implementation of appropriate regulations to safeguard our cemeteries.

Sincerely, 

[Your Name] 
[Your Address]
[Your Contact Information]