DUNFERMLINE cemetery workers were disgusted when they found a pile of dog mess left on a headstone. 

Workers said they have had enough of dog owners leaving their pets to wander freely and disrespect where people have been laid to rest. 

A council worker, who did not want to be named, contacted the Press and said: “It’s a war here and we need to put off dog-walkers coming in. 

“One part of the grounds has just been freshly buried and there is just dog-fouling everywhere – it has to stop.”

Dog-fouling in the cemetery has been covered by the Press in recent weeks but cemetery workers have spoken out after being sickened by the latest headstone discovery. 

Last month, the Press reported Baldridgeburn widower Robert Holland’s calls for dog owners to have more respect and respect signs asking for dogs to be kept on leads and was backed by Councillor Neale Hanvey. 

Mr Holland visits the cemetery every day to pay respects to his late wife, Jane, and was angered by the amount of dog mess. 

After meetings with Fife Council they were told the authority could not enforce rules to keep dogs on leads. 

This week, the council worker added: “The council should stop dogs coming in as other councils have. This is consecrated land that has been blessed so it should be treated differently. 

“People are going mental here and there have even been threats of violence. We have some families that come here every day who have a hard time letting go and this upsets them. 

“It’s going to kick off.”

Dawn Jamieson, safe communities manager at Fife Council, said: “Letting a dog foul in the cemetery is abhorrent and services are doing all we can. 

“We have increased signage and to try and identify and witness people who are allowing their dogs to foul in the cemetery, we have stepped up patrols. 

“We continue to work with our colleagues from the cemetery to keep the area clean and tidy. Bereavement Services are working with the public as part of this. 

“Our aim is to educate irresponsible dog owners. We urge anyone who witnesses someone allowing their dog to foul to report it immediately to 03451 55 00 22 with as much detail as possible for example, time of incident or a car registration number.”