If anyone deserves an apology, it is this poor couple who live in the grounds of an Edinburgh cemetery...as well as Paul, his family, and every other Edinburgh resident who has been distressed & upset by the presence of dog walkers in an Edinburgh cemetery.
We really dont have to say much more - the following video of their deputation at the August 2022 Culture & Communities Committee meeting says it all.
Remember, this is from 2022 - two years ago - despite this incredibly upsetting and moving deputation, the Committee stuck with their "dogs on leads" rule, assuring this couple, Paul, and many other Edinburgh residents of further upset and distress in the coming months and years.
Let's hope the Committee do not make the same mistake on the 8th August, less than one month away.
Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/Pj0fFoPltHU
Here are a few powerful quotes:
"It has been a nightmare"
"Taken over by dogs"
"I've been threatened"
"Daily, I'm begging for help"
"I'm begging you for proper help...please"
"Two and a half years of this"
"I'm broken"
"Since lockdown, it is getting destroyed"
"Hundreds of dogs going into that place, running wild, hunting the wildlife"
"You have to do something about this"
"It is not a place of peace & contemplation"
"People visiting family graves are sickened by it"
"It's like a war...just from dog walkers"
If you want to see a stop to this nonsense, please:
1: Continue to share this Change petition on social media and amongst friends & family. We have 27 days left to get as many signatures as possible.
2: Contribute a pound or two to this Change petition. It really helps to increase visibility & awareness. you can do this here: https://t.ly/uRM3t
3: Cast your vote in the online version of The Scotsman article here https://t.ly/LxhBS
The figures are still very much in our favour in this vote, however again, the gap has decreased a little in the past few days.
4: Join our Facebook Group "No Exercising Dogs In Edinburgh Cemeteries":
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1479741686087660/
5: Send an email of support to your local Councillor. Easily find your local Councillor and use our email template text here: http://tinyurl.com/2p8sujpn
We are happy to help you do this if required.
6: Come along and support us in person on 8th August. The Committee meeting is open to the public, and there is public seating available.
Thank you. Paul & Andy