SALINA, OKLA. (KTUL) — The Ross Mayes Cemetery, a final resting place for generations of Salina families, is under siege. Wild hogs and a growing population of stray dogs have been damaging gravesites, disturbing mourners, and prompting city officials to take action.
The cemetery is the only one in the city. However, Mayor and City Manager Randall Plumlee says a lack of secure fencing and a rise in stray animals have made visits increasingly difficult for grieving families.
“They can’t even come out here and visit their loved ones without being attacked or bothered by a dog,” said Plumlee, while pointing out a nearby stray dog during his interview.
Plumlee says the problem has worsened in recent years due to squatters occupying a nearby home that harbors more than a dozen dogs.
“There’s a house with about 16 to 18 dogs that they keep over there,” he explained. “It’s out in the country, and there are no ordinances in Mayes County, so there’s not much we can do.”
But dogs aren’t the only issue, Plumlee tells us; wild hogs are tearing up the cemetery grounds in search of food.
“It just looks like a tiller’s been through,” he said, describing the destruction caused by the hogs.
To address the problem, Plumlee is working to raise $50,000 for fencing repairs and new barriers to better protect the cemetery.
“We’re on a tight budget as much as it is already. Expenses have gone up. We started digging our own graves two years ago,” Plumlee shared.
In hopes of funding the necessary improvements, Plumlee has launched a GoFundMe campaign, with any additional funds to be allocated toward ongoing cemetery maintenance.
