By Stephen Bark

Copyright dailyrecord

Concerns over dog fouling in Ayrshire cemeteries have sparked a warning and calls for “respect”. East Ayrshire ‘s environmental health team have called for dog owners to be “responsible and respectful” if they visit cemeteries in the region. Council officers visited cemeteries in Kilmarnock on Monday after recent reports of dog fouling. Dogs are generally not allowed in cemeteries in East Ayrshire but dog owners who do walk their dogs there are asked to keep them on a lead and avoid stepping on graves. A spokesperson for East Ayrshire Council said: “Officers were out in Riccarton and Kilmarnock cemeteries in response to repeated concerns of dog fouling at the site. “Dog fouling is a crime and you can be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of £80 if you fail to immediately pick up after you dog “Our cemeteries also generally advise that dogs are not allowed on site. But if you do choose to walk your dog in our cemeteries in spite of this, remember a grave is someone’s loved one and out of respect for both the deceased and their loved ones, cemeteries are quiet, reverent places for people in mourning and for remembrance – where we avoid stepping on graves and take care of monuments and tributes. “Don’t allow your dog to foul in these sacred spaces – it shouldn’t need saying. “Please be responsible and respectful when visiting our cemeteries. Bag it, bin it.” Posting on Facebook about the situation, Kilmarnock East and Hurlford councillor Graham Boyd said: “No additional words needed.” Don’t miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter