Dog homeowners who allow their pets to foul at a war memorial and cemetery are getting away with it, after it was revealed that there have been no fines issued within the Larne space for fouling final yr.
The problem has been highlighted by Norman Gray, chair of the Larne department of the UDR’s Regimental Association, who mentioned there was a rise in dog fouling at Larne Memorial Gardens, the place the organisation has a memorial stone.
The stone was put in “to acknowledge the bravery and sacrifice” of these from the city who served within the UDR, with the situation described within the council chamber as “highly appropriate” when first proposed.
Recently, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council introduced on social media that, following complaints, patrols and monitoring have been elevated at the gardens and Greenland Cemetery in Craigyhill.
Greenland Cemetery
Mr Gray believes dog fouling in these areas has elevated, significantly at the war memorial the place he mentioned canines have been allowed to “run loose”. He has additionally found dog faeces on a relative’s grave.
He believes this behaviour “gives responsible dog owners a bad name”.
“I am not against dogs, but people who do not have the decency to pick up after their dogs,” he burdened.
“It is ongoing, but nobody seems to want to do anything about it.”
In a latest letter to the council’s interim chief govt, Valerie Watts, Mr Gray mentioned: “As you will appreciate, both locations are places of reflection and remembrance, and such behaviour is deeply disrespectful to the families who visit, as well as to the memories of those commemorated there.
“Additionally, the presence of dog fouling creates health and safety concerns for visitors, including veterans, serving personnel, families, and members of the public.”
The council acknowledged on-line: “These are places where people come to pay their respects and remember loved ones and the fallen. It is unacceptable that some individuals are failing to clean up after their dogs.”
Despite this, no fines have been issued in Larne final yr, in accordance to a reply to a Freedom of Information request made to the council.
DUP councillor Gregg McKeen mentioned: “I am deeply concerned about ongoing dog fouling at Larne War Memorial and Greenland Cemetery.
“These are places of memory, dignity, and reflection, and it is completely unacceptable that they are being disrespected in this way. Dog owners have a clear responsibility to clean up after their pets. There is no excuse.
“I am calling on the council to increase its presence and enforcement in these sensitive areas. With no fixed penalties issued in Larne last year, it’s clear that more proactive action is needed.
“Increased patrols and visible enforcement would help deter irresponsible behaviour. My message to dog owners is simple: show respect for your community, for these sacred places, and for those who visit them.”
The council’s veterans’ champion, DUP councillor Billy Ashe mentioned: “Dog fouling at the cenotaph and memorials is utterly unacceptable. These are sacred spaces that honour those who served and sacrificed, and they must be treated with dignity.
“This isn’t just a problem here; dog fouling is a persistent issue across the entire borough. I have raised this concern many times in the chamber, and I will keep pushing for action. We must all come together to eradicate this, ensuring our public spaces stay clean and respectful.
“I thank all responsible dog owners for their care; to those who neglect this, you let yourselves and your community down.”
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has been requested for a remark.
