There are two critical points at the centre of the issue around the unnecessary presence of dogs in Edinburgh cemeteries.

Core Purpose and Choice

1: Core Purpose:

Edinburgh Council is very clear in its own literature about the primary purpose of cemeteries, and how any other use must not detract from that primary purpose.

From 2022’s Edinburgh Council’s “Cemetery Management Rules – Outcome of Consultation Report”.

Point 4.3.4 “Although the Council encourages appropriate use and enjoyment of the cemetery spaces, this must accord with the core purpose of the spaces. Cemeteries are places for burial and for the bereaved to visit, reflect and remember, and for contemplation in a quiet space. Any other use must not detract from that core purpose”. 

Point 4.5 “Cemeteries in Edinburgh are quiet spaces for the burial of deceased persons and cremated remains. The use of these spaces for more than this purpose is welcome, however the understanding of, and respect for, their primary purpose must remain at the heart of any other activities that take place”.  

2: Choice:

The bereaved have no choice but to go to the cemetery where their loved one is interred.

They cannot go anywhere else. They cannot move them.

We do not have an issue with the bereaved bringing a dog into a cemetery, whether that is to attend a funeral or visit a loved one’s final resting place.

The Equality Act already covers any member of the public requiring the use of a professionally trained assistance dog in a cemetery. The majority of these will be guide dogs for the visually impaired, however may include:

·         dogs to help wheelchair users

·         dogs to help those with physical disabilities

·         dogs to help those with a hearing impairment

·         psychiatric assistance dogs for those with anxiety, PTSD, mental health, traumatic brain injuries etc

·         dogs to help those with autism

·         medical detection dogs, which can detect seizures, epilepsy, or low blood sugar in people with diabetes

A professionally trained working assistance dog will normally be recognisable by the harness or jacket they’re wearing, or by the special slip on their lead.

If a dog owner does not fall into these two categories above, then that owner is making a choice to enter that cemetery with their dog.

A choice not afforded to the bereaved….

Remember…

“Any other use must not detract from that core purpose”.

“Their primary purpose must remain at the heart of any other activities that take place”

We have 22 days left to persuade Edinburgh Council's Culture & Communities Committee to address this issue.

1: Please continue to share this Change petition on social media and amongst friends & family. We can never have too many signatures.

2: Contribute a £ or two to this Change petition, to increase visibility & awareness.

3: Cast your vote in the online version of The Scotsman article here https://t.ly/LxhBS

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