Dog owners urged to respect cemetery

Published Tuesday, 15th February 2022

Dog walkers are being urged to respect a Hartlepool cemetery by keeping their animals on a lead at all times.

This follows a complaint received by Hartlepool Borough Council about pawprint damage to a recently-installed memorial at Stranton Cemetery.

Council officials are reminding dog walkers that the cemetery – along with all others in the town - is covered by a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) which requires dogs to be on a lead at all times. 

They are now proposing to step up enforcement of the PSPO within the cemetery, and are warning that people who ignore the order run the risk of receiving a Fixed Penalty Notice.

Heritage and Countryside Manager Sarah Scarr said: “Dog walkers need to be mindful of the cemetery’s main purpose as a place where people go to remember their loved ones.

“Whilst we are happy for people to walk their dogs in the cemetery, they must be kept on a lead. Should people wish to walk their dogs off the lead there are a number of free run spaces across the town where they can take their dogs

Maps showing these areas and other information can be found at www.hartlepool.gov.uk/public-spaces-protection-orders

A similar respect appeal has also been issued to motorists following a number of complaints about inconsiderate driving within the cemetery and vehicles being parked on grassed areas close to graves.