GIBSON — The Gibson Board of Commissioners met Thursday to talk about the town’s stray animal problem after a pit bull attacked and killed another dog.

“We have too many loose dogs running around town with no tags on,” said Commissioner Ken Haney said.

Haney said he has seen the problem first hand. Haney’s own dog was killed when a stray wandered into his yard.

According to Haney, his dog — a Japanese Chin — was attacked by a pit bull and later died on the table of the veterinary clinic. The stray dog was also put down after the incident.

“I’ve had dogs my whole life. I’ve always taken care of them I’ve always had tags on them,” he said. “What if this had been a child in my yard instead of my dog?”

There are too many stray dogs on the loose, according to Haney, and he would like to see some changes.

“This dog had no collar, no tags, nothing on him and I think we need to make more of a conservative effort to utilize the counties warrants,” he said.

Scotland County Animal Control is currently in charge of the area, but residents can play a part in the effort as well, town officials said.

“What we need to do is have the citizens call in every time they see a stray dog,” said Mayor Ronnie Hudson. “We need to do what we can about getting them out of here and I’ll tell you what, there is an abundance of cats in this town too.”

Board members hope to have some proposals ready for the next town meeting.

In other business, the board said it wanted to make sure residents were doing their part to keep up the town’s appearance.

“Another thing we need to address is that have some residents here in town that need to be policed up, badly” Haney said.“Most of our citizens keep their property clean, but some of them have automobiles or trailers out and unkempt yards. I don’t know how to address it, but I think we need to find a way to address this issue.”

The board agreed to send out letters and ordinances to the resident that might in violation.

“We’re doing everything we can to keep Main Street clean and looking good,” Hudson said.

In other business, the board announced that Trunk or Treat will be at the Gibson Baptist Church on Oct. 31 from 5 to 7 p.m. the public is welcome.

Also on Thursday, it was announced that Citizen’s Appreciation Day will be held on Nov. 6 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and again from 5 to 7 p.m.

“That way we can give everyone a chance to eat” Hudson said.

The event will provide two barbecue plates to every utility customer that has paid a water and utility bill this month.

“Every customer will need to have to provide their ticket stub,” Hudson said in regards to giving ticket stubs to every citizen that has paid their bills.

In other business, commissioners heard about a new event called Sociable Art that allows residents to “come together and paint and enjoy themselves.”

“We’re hoping that if the first one goes well and we get enough people to do it then we can have the event once every month or every three months,” said Town Clerk Angela Hunsucker.

The first art event will be Nov. 11 at 6:30 p.m. in the Depot Community Center. It will cost $35 per person and refreshments will be provided.

“It’s not going to cost the town anything,” she said. “It will just be another community event for citizens to attend, get together and enjoy.”

Commissioners said Sociable Art is a good idea.

“I’m all for another community event,” said Commissioner Pete Wilkins. “The more people that mix and mingle together in a town it seem like the more they get along.”

By Abby Hackmann

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Abby Hackmann can be reached at 910-506-3171.