Mid and East Antrim Council increased patrols and monitoring at Larne Memorial Gardens and Greenland Cemetery in Craigyhill after receiving complaints about dog fouling.

No fixed penalty fines for dog fouling were issued in Larne last year.

Norman Gray, chair of the Larne branch of the Regimental Association of the Ulster Defence Regiment CGC, reported more dog fouling at Larne Memorial Gardens, site of the organisation's memorial stone. He found dog waste on a relative's grave and saw dogs running loose at the war memorial.

Gray wrote to interim chief executive Valerie Watts that the sites are places of reflection and remembrance. He stated the fouling disrespects families and those commemorated and poses health and safety risks to visitors including veterans, serving personnel, families and the public.

DUP Councillor Gregg McKeen for Larne Lough called the fouling unacceptable at places of memory, dignity and reflection. He asked the council to increase presence and enforcement and told dog owners to clean up after their pets.

DUP Alderman Billy Ashe MBE, the council's Veterans' Champion, said dog fouling at cenotaphs and memorials is unacceptable. He noted the issue occurs across the borough and he has raised it multiple times in council meetings. Ashe called for action to keep public spaces clean.