Hi all
Many many thanks to everyone supporting and spreading the word of this petition - let's see if we can get 1, 500 signatures.
Not long to go until the meeting on 8th where councillors will discuss whether dogs should or should not be banned - remember you can be a part of that descision.
Remember you can email us at any time: cemeteries4all@yahoo.com
Today's update is just going to be a short one as really not feeling well but wanted to check in with all you lovely people.
We didn't realise how many donators we had had over the last few days and really wanted to thank each and every one of you.
We appreciate money is tight these days and to spend some of that on this petition means so much - thankyou.
We don't want anyone to think they need to donate, we truely appreciate the donations but know not everyone can manage this and we'd never ask.
We think a ban on dogs is a lot more complicated than one would initially think amd believe it needs careful considertation of mamy aspects.
Below are some of our concerns in relation to a ban on dogs (with or without exemptions).
If you agree or even have other things you are worried about please share the petition or consider other ways to get involved - details at the end of the post.
- Mourners who wish to take their four legged family member with then to grieve for a lost one without intrusion on their grief as to why they are there
The deceased themselves who may have loved dogs in life and might like to see them in death - The no dogs rule pre covid was not enforced or adhered to in at least 2 cemeteries (all if you believe some council officials) - what would this rule actually to do improve the behaviours of the minority of rule breakers
- There are many socially accepted reasons one might visit a cemetery in addition to mourning - to visit ancestors, to visit historical graves, for nature, for quiet contemplation, to settle a baby - the list could go on - why should a rule abiding person and their on lead well behaved dog miss out on this for a minority of rules breakers - is this really just
- The footfall of dogs can be protective and a deterrent to unwanted or illegal behaviour - if you remove this footfall how will you ensure cemetries, their inhabitants and visitors are protected?
- People with dogs may actually help such as cleaning up rubbish or maintaining older graves that are no longer visited by loved ones - if you remove dogs how will you ensure this important help continues?
- People have their dogs with them for many reasons - comfort, feelings of safety, mental health or neurological conditions- should these people effectively be discriminated against for their need for something that may make them feel safe in a secluded environment?
- Is is porportionate and just to remove a rule abiding majority for a minority of rule breakers in a minority of cemeteries?
The list of aspects could go on but we feel thay is enough to demonstrate how complicated this after truely is.
Other ways you can get involved and share your view:
Write to your local councillor - List of your local Councillors:
https://democracy.edinburgh.gov.uk/mgMemberIndex.aspx?FN=WARD&VW=LIST&PIC=0
Write to committe memebers who will discuss and decide on cemetery rules - List of who is due to be at the committee meeting including committee members:
https://democracy.edinburgh.gov.uk/mgMeetingAttendance.aspx?ID=7281
Consider giving a written or verbal deputation - Website where further information will be posted in relation to the meetings, we understand around a week before the meeting:
https://democracy.edinburgh.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=139&MId=7281
Vote on the Scotsman's article where you can place your vote (it is not binding in any way):