Citizens ask for better enforcement of leash laws in Pinckneyville

Residents of Pinckneyville can expect to see a reminder on their next gas and water bill that the city has a leash law.

Bobbie and Les Marlow and Bill Sanders all stated that they have had encounters with unleashed dogs recently. Bobbie Marlow said she called 911 to report the animal, which was stalking her puppy as they walked on Grant Street. The police responded promptly.

Her husband was able to scare an animal away by throwing rocks at it.

Sanders said a dog charged him in his yard while he was holding a rake, but stopped short and left. When he rounded the house after putting away the rake, the animal became aggressive again. A neighbor called the police.

Sanders said the officer who responded said the animal met the description of one that had bitten a little boy in the park that day.

The fine for allowing an animal to run at large is $100. There is an additional $20 fee if the city police have to transport your pet to the Perry County Animal Control site. The county also charges a fee before releasing your pet.

Police Chief John Griffin said that anyone who has an encounter with an unleashed animal or sees one should call the police. If the police are not aware of the problem, they can't cite the owners.

Commissioner Kevin Hicks suggested Marlow carry mace with her like postal workers do.

Chief Griffin said people should also be aware that their pet must be vaccinated against rabies.