Hundreds of people have joined a call to ban dogs from the cemetery where Paddington creator Michael Bond is buried because they "urinate and defecate" over graves.

More than 800 people have petitioned Brent Council to ban all dogs except guide dogs from Paddington Old Cemetery, saying dogs roaming off the lead use the grounds "as a toilet".

Michael Bond, who lived in Maida Vale and is best known for his Paddington Bear books, died in 2017 is among those burled at the cemetery, in Willesden Lane, Kilburn.

Michelle O'Connor started a petition on behalf of those who have relatives or friends buried there.

She said the graveyard is sacred ground that is being ruined by "disrespectful and increasingly aggressive" dog owners.

She wrote: “Dog owners are allowing their dogs to use the cemetery as a play or exercise area and toilet.

"Dogs run unsupervised around the cemetery, despite repeated requests for dog owners to be respectful. Dogs defecate and urinate on graves and run around disturbing the tranquillity, this is an insult to the deceased and their relatives. This has to stop.”

She added: "It is impossible to pay your respects when an animal is bounding around and squatting over adjacent graves. The cemetery is not a public park."

Liam Hagan, who signed the petition, said: “It's distressing to see the cemetery where my auntie is buried being used as a play area for pets.”

Brent Council said it will actively enforce several public spaces protection order requirements at the cemetery, and any dog owner failing to abide by rules such as keeping eye on dogs or disposing their waste instantly, faces a fine of up to £1,000.

A consultation is starting on Friday (October 18), which will explore changes to the order, such as keeping a dog on a lead in the cemetery. It can be accessed at  https://haveyoursay.brent.gov.uk/en-GB/

Cllr Harbi Farah, cabinet member for public safety and partnerships said maintaining a peaceful and respectful environment the cemetery was "vitally important".

He said the council had received a growing number of concerns from grave owners, visitors and mourners which included reports of dogs urinating and defecating on graves, dogs being out of control around mourners, and some incidents of dog attacks.

"This conduct is clearly completely unacceptable in a cemetery dedicated to remembrance," he added.

"This consultation will be crucial in determining the future requirements of the order and how this is enforced and I encourage everybody to have their say.”