In relation to our last post where we stated there was little official information from the people asking for the dog ban and little information re how prevalent and representative the issues noted in the banning petition were we would like to share a document from a council meeting held on 7th December 2023 - just over 2 months ago.

The council discusses complaints received since the introduction of the off lead banning rule. 10 complaints from 5 individuals in 4 of Edinburgh council's 43 cemetries. The behaviour noted is all related to off lead dogs and there are no mentions of other behaviours.

We would argue this is not enough to constitue a ban and indeed the council themselves stated this and that no review of current rules were required - this was 2 months ago.

Considering the timescale since the review of the rules and the low amount of complaints we do not think it is reasonable to ask for a ban on dogs in cemetries as there is no official evidence to support one and it is unlikely that things will have changed so much in the time since it was last reviewed. 

You can read the relevant excert from the meeting below or view the full document at the following link, item 7.5 relates to cemetery discussion:

https://democracy.edinburgh.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=139&MId=6782&Ver=4

Excert from the council meeting:

"Update on Cemetery Rules
4.6 As reported to Committee on 16 August 2022, revised Cemetery Management 
Rules were consulted upon, and Committee agreed that the Rules should be 
implemented from that date.

4.7 Since the implementation of the revised rules, the Council has received 10 
complaints about breaches of the rules, all of which referred to dogs which were off-
lead in cemeteries. The complaints were made by four individuals and one further
anonymous complaint. The complaints refer to just four of the 43 cemeteries 
operated by the service. All complainers requested that the rules should be 
revisited, and that the Council should implement a total ban on dogs in cemeteries.

4.8 The Council’s position is that a cemetery is a place of burial and reflection for the 
bereaved. It is acknowledged that the issue described above is of significance to 
those directly affected and who have been distressed by owners allowing their dogs
off-lead within a cemetery. Members will recall that they previously heard directly 
from deputations illustrating these concerns. 

4.9 Whilst acknowledging the significance of the concerns to the individuals, based on 
the relatively small number of complaints and the practicalities of enforcing a 
complete ban on dogs within cemeteries, it is not proposed to revisit or amend the 
current Cemetery Rules at this time.

4.10 Bereavement Services staff continue to monitor the situation and will engage with 
users of the cemeteries, including owners of dogs and local residents, to encourage 
respect for the rules."