I can't begin to explain how disappointed I was in the city's new rules re-guarding riverside cemetery. furthermore, I was shocked that the crescent news published an editorial in Sundays paper supporting these rules. Most people realize that some pet owners are not very considerate when picking up after their pets. However, I think this is a small minority. I have been frequenting riverside cemetery, and I have been taking a poll of how many pet owners do not have a disposal bag with them. in 4 visits this month, I have only come across 1 person, and he was a teenager. I agree it is disrespectful for pet owners to leave pet waste, but there are other animals in the cemetery that leave waste that can easily be mistaken as dog waste. so, how can the city be so sure that the waste they come across is only from dogs??
As far as enforcing this rule, I find it hard to believe defiance police department needs to spend valuable time chasing down dog owners in an economy that has caused many cuts in city services. If the police have enough time to respond to calls about dog walkers at riverside, why can't they simply cite people who do not have a disposal bag with them. Wouldn't it be easier to make a rule requiring a waste disposal method be carried by each pet owner? i think this would be a much easier solution, and much less offensive.

Finally, I frequently visit riverside, and I am a dog owner, but I seldom take my dogs with me. When I do, I am very respectful of their behavior as are most others I see.
My father is buried at riverside, and I doubt he would be upset by a dog leaving on his grave compared to the ccno workers I saw sitting on the markers, and setting their pop cans on the stones. I think that is much more disrespectful! Kelly Develbiss