By Ryan Storz
Dogs are running wild in the downtown area of Leasburg, and the trustees are seeking solutions.
At the board’s first November meeting last Tuesday night, it was reported that owners were being negligent with their pets and they were making it hard for people to get into such places as the post office.
Some of the dogs are strays, but the board indicated that most are pets and that they know who the owners are.
Kris Knight offered issuing summons to owners who are letting their dogs run free. He suggested that they take advantage of the ordinance they recently passed concerning animals. Owners can also be penalized for not licensing their pets.
Another suggestion was to talk to the animal control officer for Cuba and see what he may charge. Board chairperson Kathy Byrd said, if the trustees did that, they would have to go through the city council since they would be using their facilities.
Village attorney David Smith said that there are a lot of particulars and regulations when it comes to animals and that it would be easiest if the city of Cuba would contract with the village.
Village clerk Nicky Phillips said she would make the call to Cuba.
It was also suggested taking the animals to the Humane Society or shelters, but that would wind up costing the village since payment is required.
The board did decide that they would give police officer Mike Smart a list of people with loose dogs and have him deal with it.