Madison County Democrat

Let's Control Dogs

Recent reports coming from persons in all parts of London and vicinity show definitely that dogs are becoming a nuisance here. A great many complaints have been received by the Madison County Commissioners, the Dog Warden and the City Council. School authorities, householders and plain citizens have expressed a desire to have dogs controlled within the city limits and elsewhere if possible.

At the present time, there is no up-to-date ordinance which can be applied to dogs. It would behoove the city council to pass an ordinance covering such a situation as that we now have - wherein dogs are allowed to run freely over yards, streets and in practically all locations. Were an ordinance put into effect which would give local authorities the lawful right to pick up dogs which are not on a leash or muzzled, then this nuisance could be overcome in short order.

Factually, in some cases, persons have been attacked by stray dogs. Others have had their flowers ruined and their porches muddied. Packs of dogs in great numbers have been observed at the school yard and in many public places - a disgusting sight.

No one likes to "sign an affidavit" against his neighbor or a friend even if he be at fault. An ordinance which would make it lawful to pickup stray dogs who have neither leash nor muzzle would solve the problem. Such dogs could be impounded until the owner claims his pet. Thus, dogs who have no owner could be mercifully done away with, while pets could be returned to owners upon payment of a small fee.

London has a long way to go in controlling animals. Hogs, cattle, horses and other livestock are allowed within the city limits of the city. These animals also create a nuisance. Sooner or later this situation will have to be dealt with by the health department and the city council. But at the moment, the control of dogs and other pets would be a step in the right direction.