AHOSKIE – Saying he was speaking on behalf of several Ahoskie residents, one local attorney has asked the Ahoskie Town Council to strengthen the town’s animal control ordinance.

During Tuesday’s council meeting, Ernie Carter Jr. said he was concerned about the lack of a “complete animal ordinance.”

“In its present form, the ordinance only addresses the fact that Ahoskie is a bird sanctuary and regulates dogs,” Carter said. “I’m asking you on behalf of a number of Ahoskie citizens to amend the existing ordinance. I will work with your town attorney to draft such a revised ordinance.”

Carter claimed that animals were “running amuck in the town; soiling and damaging yards.”

“All of your citizens need protection from these animals that are roaming the neighborhoods,” Carter noted.

Carter said he had reviewed the animal control ordinances in other areas.

“I ask you to look at Hertford County’s animal ordinance; it’s very thorough,” he said. “Ahoskie needs to augment its animal ordinance, expand it to include language that regulates all types of animals, including exotic pets.”

At the end of Carter’s presentation, Ahoskie Mayor Linda Blackburn said she would like council members to discuss this suggestion at the council’s upcoming Board Retreat, scheduled for March 19-20.