By Kate McCardell

Published: May 7, 2008

A resident appeared before the Marianna City Commission Tuesday night to inform them of a problem that has been dogging him for some time.

Dr. William Brunner told the commission that he’s been troubled by unleashed dogs wandering around the College Street area.

The large dogs have been seen often on College Street, sometimes boldly interfering with traffic.

Brunner told the board that, worried that the dogs could cause harm or be injured themselves, he sought help on the issue by calling the Marianna Police Department and Marianna animal control officer Robert Williams.

“I’m appalled that the city has no leash law,” Brunner told commissioners Tuesday.

As it turns out, there is one, or at least there should be, responded Commissioner John Roberts.

City attorney Frank Bondurant confirmed that there is an ordinance in place that requires large animals, including dogs within the city limits, to be in controlled possession of a person, which includes being enclosed in a secure area such as a fence or leashed.

Roberts expressed his concern over the miscommunication that led Brunner to believe there was no leash law.

Marianna Police Chief Lou Roberts agreed to have carried out the commissioner’s request to set traps in the area.

Commissioner Roberts said that if unleashed dogs are caught by animal control, they shall be taken to an animal shelter, where owners may pick up their animal in a timely fashion; otherwise there is a possibility the dog will be euthanized.