After listening to the pleas of dissatisfied town residents at a previous board meeting, Roseboro leaders have decided to do something about the growing problem of dogs and cats freely roaming the streets.

The action, planned by town clerk Drenda Ammons and attorney Billie Poole, is an ordinance that addresses such concerns as dogs roaming the streets at night when the county’s Animal Control is closed.

The town currently has an ordinance that was recommended by the county, but Ammons said that it does not provide a proper course of action if a resident has a problem at night. In essence, the document is “not detailed enough,” said Ammons.

Mayor pro tem David Alexander has seen firsthand the problem with dogs roaming the streets at night and biting residents. And since the animal shelter closes at 5 p.m., it has been an issue that has created a conundrum to him and other concerned residents.

“At night, we can’t reach anyone,” said Alexander, who added that the existing ordinance did not clarify who would be the group to contact in the evening. Sheriff’s officers working in Roseboro could be called, he said, but at this point, there’s no designation that would allow them to respond.

Before a draft of the ordinance can be created, Ammons explained, it also needs to clarified as to who will actually be in charge of Animal Control. At the present time, animal control is being handled by officers under the leadership of assistant county manager Susan Holder. But, this may change in September, when the Sampson Board of Commissioners will decide whether to switch control to the Sheriff’s Department.

In the meantime, Poole stated, during last week’s town meeting, he will be talking with the Sheriff’s Department and Holder as he prepares an ordinance for Roseboro.

In addition to explaining what can be done about those roaming canines, the proposed ordinance may also tell the number of animals a resident can own. Right now, Ammons has plans for a draft limiting a household to four pets. Also, an owner will now be responsible for making sure that an animal has all necessary tags and shots.

The regulation will also determine a fine for a person who allows their pet to roam freely on the streets. In the case of a wandering pet that cannot be identified by an owner, the animal will then be taken to the animal shelter.

Overall, Mayor Roland Hall expressed of the goal of this document, “We are hoping that with this ordinance, everyone will be satisfied.”

Katie Holland can be reached at 910-592-8137, ext. 136, or by e-mail at silife@myclintonnc.com.