Councillors bark loudly over dogs in graveyards
“IT'S like a racecourse with dogs running back and forth across graves smashing flowers and soiling graves.”
So outlined Councillor Michael Kilcoyne, cathaoirleach of Castlebar Municipal District, when he raised the issue of dog fouling at the New Cemetery, Castlebar, at a council meeting.
This grim situation pertains, Councillor Kilcoyne noted, despite a sign at the entrance to the cemetery warning that failure to keep dogs under control will result in a fine of up to €1,800.
“Graves are being soiled,” the councillor complained. “There are no fines issued, there's no policing (of the situation). It's an insult to the public. Several families have come to me in tears complaining.”
Councillor Therese Ruane: It is also a health and safety issue.
Councillor Kilcoyne tabled a notice of motion that Castlebar Municipal District introduce a bylaw banning dogs from the New Cemetery and that the necessary enforcement and appropriate fines be put in place.
Councillor Cyril Burke noted it isn't as simple an issue of bringing in a blanket ban. Further research is needed.
The councillor commented that for many a dog is a member of the family. For instance, he said, a family might want to bring a dog to a funeral. More research is needed to see what is being done by other local authorities.
Councillor Henry Kenny wanted to know who enforces the regulations. Is it the litter warden? he asked.
John Condon said the council could make by-laws but wanted to know if councillors wanted an absolute ban on dogs in cemeteries or an insistence that dogs must be on leads.
Councillor Ruane suggested that talking has gone on for too long and it’s time for action. “I remember being in the town council having a motion down calling for dogs on a lead. That's five years ago. We're still talking about it. Why don't we just do something about it.”
Councillor Ruane said it was a huge issue not just in relation to the cemetery but also at Lough Lannagh and the town park. Parents of children who were scared over loose dogs at Lough Lannagh were coming up to her.
Councillor Al McDonnell proposed an amendment that the MD introduce a by-law banning dogs from all cemeteries in the Castlebar area and from public watercourses (such as Lough Carra) from which water schemes are being extracted.
After a lengthy discussion it was decided, on the proposal of Councillor Frank Durcan, to defer the cathaoirleach's motion until the next meeting.