Pet memorial going to ruin
PET owners are demanding answers as to why plaques from their late pets’ memorial garden have been removed from burial plots.
Sue Coburn is one Cairns pet owner who has visited Smithfield’s Marlin Coast Memorial Pet Garden next to YAPS to find it in disarray.
Ms Coburn said a close friend was distraught when she was unable to find her late dog because its plaque had been ripped from the plot and the grave sites covered in litter.
“It’s not just that it’s a mess inside, it’s that you can’t just go in without approval from YAPS,” she said.
“It’s a gravesite, it shouldn’t be behind lock and key.”
Cairns Regional Council planning and environment general manager Kelly Reaston said the memorial garden was previously leased by YAPS from the council.
She said the council was aware of the removed plaques and was working on a way to rejuvenate the garden and open it up to members of the SPEAKING OUT: Animal lover Sue Coburn is concerned about the state of the pet memorial garden. public who had pets buried at the site. “Council is also developing some options for the area that would memorialise its previous use and act as a passive public space designed to allow owners to reflect upon their loved pets who are buried there.
“Council will conduct community consultation once the plan is ready for comment.”
YAPS manager Carol Clifton said something had to be done soon to improve the condition of the garden.
“There was never really any thought of the years of upkeep,” she said. “Maybe the plaques have deteriorated and the garden had to be fenced because of safety issues.”
She said visitors to YAPS had many ideas for repairing the memorial garden, including building a memorial wall with the old plaques.
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