**PLEASE NOTE** Our comments on the other petition's posts and any from their supporters posts are correct at the time of writing - their information may or may not be changed which could impact on the relevance and accuracy of what we post but this is outwith our control - we do not have the capacity to keep checking their posts for changes

Hi all

Thankyou to everyone supporting us and the people we are fighting for!

It's only 5 days until councillors will discuss rules in cemeteries including dog rules, we have been wondering what councillors who decide rules will do in light of council evidence, more on this below.

Remember you can have your say. Please see the end of this post for other ways to get involved.
 
You can email us at:
cemeteries4all@yahoo.com

As we have reported this week the council service which manages our council cemeteries have clearly stated:

"...the majority of dog owners use cemetery spaces in a respectful manner."

"Whilst there are some issues, there is an insufficient evidence base to conclude that it would be proportionate to further tighten the rules. Further, to enforce a ‘no dog’ rule would require a significant increase in officer resources."

You can find the council update (evidence) and related graphs in the report pack for the meeting (it's easier if you search within the document for "cemetery" as it's a long document: https://democracy.edinburgh.gov.uk/documents/g7281/Public%20reports%20pack%2008th-Aug-2024%2010.00%20Culture%20and%20Communities%20Committee.pdf?T=10&$LO$=1

We have posted this week that we have been wondering what councillors themselves will make of this information and do with regards to dogs in cemeteries.

Here's an email we recieved from one councillor (as always we have removed identifying details to respect and protect the person themselves, if you disagree we apologise):

"Dear Monti,

Thank you for your email and for taking the time to write.

I know there is extremely strong feeling regarding this issue as there has been the two previous times it was considered. Sadly there does not seem to be any middle ground with individuals again calling for an all out ban. This troubles me not only from the point of view of justification for the ban as this would be for all 43 cemeteries not just the possible handful where the issue as been alleged but also from an enforcement point of view.

We in the deleted party have not so far supported the two previous calls for an all out ban for the reasons stated above. To change that view we would need an understanding of how the situation had changed.

Thank you for taking the time to write it is much appreciated.

Kind regards"

We have had a few emails but this is one of the most in depth and that appears to give a very clear view.

This councillor and their party wants porportionate measures for all 43 cemeteries and will only vote for a ban if evidence suggest it is required.

Council evidence clearly states that a ban is not required and would be disproportionate and our evidence will also state this - so unless some very reliable, valid, representative evidence is produced we're pretty sure they won't be voting for a ban.

From very early on we have argued for something that suits all 43 council cemeteries not one or two and something based on good, reliable, valid representative evidence. We are very pleased to see some councillors understand the importance of porportionate measures and evidence and keep our fingers crossed others will tale this approach.

Meanwhile the other petition still hasn't publicly commented on the council evidence. Nor have they acknowledged or apologised for their denial that there are no trial rules. Neither have they apologised for photos falsely accusing people of breaking rules and posting their image online, hiding information from their supporters, posting old information as if it is evidence of current rules or appearing to deliberately mislead with partial quotes. What are they actually informing people of in relation to the current situation of dogs in cemeteries with the meeting just 5 days away?

We advocate for respectful, responsible cemetery use by all and education for the minority not following rules. Below are some of our concerns in relation to a ban on dogs (with or without exemptions).

• Mourners who may be disadvantaged by any form of ban on dogs form of ban on dogs and not able to grieve as is helpful to them.The deceased resting in our cemeteries who may have loved dogs in life and like to see them in death
• There are many socially accepted reasons one might visit a cemetery why should somone miss out on this because they have a well behaved dog on lead causing no issues
• Women and vunerable groups state they feel safer with a dog in a cemetery - should be take away their safety net? Remember they may be a mourner
• People with dogs can and do help in cemeteries
• The footfall of dogs may offer cemetery inhabitants and visitors protection from unwanted or illegal behaviour
• 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?
• If a ban was brought in but not enforced by the coincil would this lead to individuals self policing cemeteries possibly incorrectly and inappropriately?
• Is it 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 that is enough to demonstrate how complicated this matter truely is.

Let's keep cemetries4all responsible, respectful people!

Official current cemetery rules: 
https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/downloads/file/33467/cemetery-management-rules

 
Other ways to 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 members 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
  
Vote on the Scotsman's article where you can place your vote (it is not binding in any way): https://www.scotsman.com/news/environment/why-council-will-vote-on-a-ban-dogs-from-all-edinburgh-cemeteries-4679251?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1jiu0nmOB5KkeddVY_d0oDN6U2gt09cUrdWgBgQNW9Nr0N14p8EnUv3gs_aem_n3NYnWSu9Bpe_wP_x0twLw#disqus-comment-section