An Inverness resident is calling for better enforcement of pet behavior at Oak Ridge Cemetery after witnessing a dog owner allow his pet to urinate on a gravestone on April 3, 2026. Stephen M. Livingston, Ed.D., was visiting his wife’s grave when he observed the incident, which he described as deeply disturbing and profoundly disrespectful.
Livingston said the dog owner made no attempt to stop or correct the behavior as his pet urinated on a vertical gravestone. The incident occurred while Livingston was sitting beside his wife’s burial site, still grieving her recent passing. He chose not to confront the individual due to his fresh sorrow and anger at witnessing the disrespectful act.
During his visit to Oak Ridge Cemetery, Livingston looked for visible signage addressing pet control or inappropriate conduct within the grounds but found none. The lack of posted rules or guidelines for cemetery visitors appears to be contributing to the problem of disrespectful behavior in what should be a sacred space for remembrance and mourning.
The incident has prompted Livingston to question whether Inverness is living up to its motto of being a “small town done right” and its aspiration to be among the best small towns in the South. He believes more must be done to protect the dignity and sanctity of places meant for remembrance, emphasizing that families visiting loved ones deserve assurance that these sacred spaces will be respected and protected.
Livingston is calling on Inverness city officials, including the mayor, City Council, and town administrators, to take action to address the issue. He argues that protecting cemetery grounds from inappropriate behavior must begin with leadership from city officials and proper enforcement measures to ensure respect for those buried there and their grieving families.
Originally reported by Citrus County Chronicle – Inverness
Sources: Citrus County Chronicle – Inverness
