Jackson considering vicious dog ordinance
By Evan Carden SA Editor
 
The Jackson City Council is considering an ordinance that would prohibit the owning of dogs considered to be of known vicious breeds within the city limits.
 
Members of the council were given a copy of the ordinance during Tuesday's regular city council meeting. It will come up for a vote at their next meeting Aug. 14.
 
"I think this is a good thing for us to consider," said Councilman Paul South during the council's discussion about the ordinance. "We have had some attacks, all of which have been animal to animal, but it could eventually be animal to human."
 
Councilman Robert Marks agreed and asked Jackson Animal Control Officer Lee Hutto to obtain a list of breeds that are considered vicious before the next meeting.
 
Hutto agreed to do so and added that if the ordinance is passed he would need the help of the Jackson Police Department in enforcing it. Mayor Richard Long and council members assured him the police department could be counted on to assist him.
 
Councilman South said he would also like to have the council consider limiting the number of pets that can be kept at one residence. "I rode by one (residence) the other day where there were at least 15 pets," he said. "Other cities have limits like the one I'm talking about. In most instances the limit is four or five."