On Tuesday night councillor Helen Stewart moved a notice of motion calling on council officers to report on the possibility of developing a pet memorial.

The facility would comprise a dedicated land area, a memorial wall to install plaques and ashes, and an accompanying garden for ash placement. The report will look at potential locations, costs and other local government areas’ experiences.

‘‘Being a pet owner I have had 17 different rescue animals in my family over a period of 30-odd years,’’ Cr Stewart said.

‘‘I’ve cremated a couple, I do have their ashes at home.

‘‘Personally I don’t think I would want to put the ashes in a memorial wall, but there could be a market for people who want to do that. For many elderly people who lose a pet, it can be difficult and they might appreciate a place to go and sit and reflect.’’

Councillor Kellie Marsh co-signed the notice of motion.

‘‘It definitely has merit,’’ she said. ‘‘There are other councils that do this, mainly overseas.

‘‘We are not looking at putting pets and people together, this would be something especially for the pets of our community.’’

Cr Marsh said gone were the days of people living in homes for 40 years and, with many living in rented accommodation, a pet memorial could be a central place where people could go. 

Shellharbour mayor Marianne Saliba said she preferred to remember pets in her own backyard but supported the call for a report.