A fowl row has broken out over claims that pooping hens are desecrating graves in an Angus cemetery.
Families have complained of messed-up tombstones but the owner of the free-range birds has told mourners that rabbits are to blame for the fouling.
Angus Council has now stepped in as tensions rise at Kingoldrum Cemetery near Kirriemuir.
The local authority has been in discussions with Geoff Hobson, whose property is adjacent to the graveyard, over the “sensitive issue”.
Mr Hobson said his hens are not “fenced in” but denied they are responsible for the mess which has upset mourners.
“There is a considerable amount of wildlife in the cemetery including rabbits, squirrels, rooks, pigeons, pine martens and pheasants,” he said.
“When chickens see people they tend to expect food but most of the other wildlife are scared of humans and will run off.
“My chickens are only guilty of being present when everyone else is gone.”
Mr Hobson said he has been in discussions with the council and told them rabbits are responsible.
He said he has no plans to stop the hens leaving his property because they are “free range”.
However, Heather Kelly from Kirriemuir said the hens were turning the cemetery into a barnyard and called for action.
She said she can’t put real flowers down at her parents’ graveside or they will be eaten but Mr Hobson denies his hens eat flowers.
Heather said it was “very disrespectful” and “a slur” on her parents’ memory that the headstones continue to be spoiled.
She said: “I have to put plastic flowers down at my parents’ graveside otherwise they will be eaten.
“The chickens have been desecrating throughout the cemetery and it is very disrespectful to the people who are buried here.
“People come here to pay respects to their loved ones and they are having to clean chicken mess off the headstones.
“We have contacted the council as a last resort.”
An Angus Council spokesman said: “We are in discussion with our neighbour in an effort to satisfactorily resolve what is a sensitive matter.”