Dogs can provide companionship and be a wonderful addition to a home. However, there are dogs that can also be menacing, instill fear and cause injury to others.
Just as there are those who want laws regarding animals, there are those who do not.
Walking in fear or avoiding tasks because one is afraid to be out among neighborhood dogs on the loose is a subject that has been raised before. Between the need for citizens to feel safe on the streets and animal owners wanting free range for their canine, there are many voices trying to be heard.
This week’s Poll Question in the Cherokee Scout asks readers, “Should the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners make room in the annual budget for a full-time animal control officer who can’t be used in another position?”
 |
“Absolutely. I have gone to enough county meetings and heard from people who have been attacked by animals. I also know that the county is still struggling with animal control in general. We need some answers, whether it’s a sworn officer or a civilian. We had a sworn officer in the past, and they were taken off those duties and then put on to other duties. If we do this, we need a person or officer that stays with the job.”
– Jim Gerke
 |
“Yes because a lot of the calls that go out for deputies are for animal compliance. I had a dog bite me about 10 years ago, so yes.”
– Brenda Farmer
 |
“Absolutely. I personally do not have any experience since I’ve been here, but in Florida yes. There’s a lot of free running dogs around, and that typically creates problems.”’
– Rocky Gardner
 |
“I do, or at least have stricter laws or rules on dog ownership. We have a rampant issue of backyard breeders, people who are not keeping a good leash or a good capture on their own animals. Yes, understandably free range animals for so much of the acreage; however, if you’re living in a neighborhood, that many dogs is gonna get dangerous.”
– Heather Jackson
 |
“Yes. I have dogs of my own in a fenced-in yard. I have them fenced in because of the neighbor’s dogs and all the poop in the yard from other dogs. Also, someone should come out and take care of the abandoned dogs that are running around in the neighborhoods. There’s also an issue with dogs that are on a 6-foot chain in yards for months, and even years, at a time. That’s a crime.”
– Ardyce Cooper