In Nizamuddin East in India there were 18 stray dogs found poisoned:

Local dog lovers have filed a police complaint, alleging the animals, most of whom were vaccinated and fed regularly by the residents, were deliberately poisoned.…

Sumita Mehta, another resident, said, “I have been repeatedly asked to stop feeding the dogs. I feel the colony is safer when there are dogs to guard us. Due to their presence, no monkeys come to the area anymore to bother us.”

In recent years two of our aged pets have died. One is buried beneath the lemon tree, while the ashes of the other reside in a fine wooden box on the windowsill.

It would be good to think we could have placed both in a pet cemetery and planted a native tree in their memory.

That’s what the fine folks in Christchurch will be able to do soon:

The Christchurch City Council has set aside 60 plots at The Groynes recreational reserve to be sold to pet owners wishing to plant a native tree in memory of their animal companions. …

A plot and tree package could be bought for $75. A selection of native trees would be offered by the council for planting.

[Via : Thumbs up for new pet plots | Stuff.co.nz.]

The Groynes is a wonderful off-leash area. It seems very appropriate to set aside part as a memorial cemetery area for dogs and other pets.

60 plots sounds not very many though — I wonder how quickly they will all be bought up?

For a review of The Groynes doggy playground visit our companion site Run Spot Run.