Memorandum

City of Lawrence

City Attorney's Office

TO:                  David Corliss, City Manager   

FROM:            Maria Kaminska, Assistant City Attorney

DATE:             August 29, 2013

RE:                  Dogs in cemeteries

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The City Attorney’s Office recommends adopting Ordinance 8899, which imposes greater regulation over dogs at city cemeteries. The proposed language requires dogs to stay on leashes and under the physical control of their owners while at city cemeteries, and requires them to remain exclusively on the cemetery road.   The City has received a concern about dogs in a cemetery and the general purpose of the recommended ordinance is to prevent dogs from traveling across tombstones and/or burial sites (relieving themselves, etc.) which is not in keeping with the desire for decorum and respect in a cemetery setting. 

ACTION REQUESTED:

Adopt on first reading, Ordinance No. 8899, establishing that dogs may not enter a city cemetery without a leash, and must remain on the cemetery road.