WOODLAND – A leash law is to be studied by the Woodland Board of Commissioners.

Four citizens appeared before the Board Thursday night asking the group to consider a leash law for the town.

Robbie Pierce presented a petition expressing the concern some citizens had about animals roaming free.

&uot;There are a lot of dogs running wild, tearing up gardens and people’s yards,&uot; Pierce told the Board.

Esther Kuhn stood up to say she supported the call for a leash law for dogs, but added that she would like to see it apply to cats as well.

Larry Majette, who was seated across the room, stood up to say that he didn’t know about Pierce’s petition, but that he had come for the same reason.

Majette said he lived near Olive Street and that he was afraid for the children in his area.

&uot;State law and Woodland ordinances are reactive and I think we need to be proactive,&uot; Majette said.

During the second portion of public comments later in the meeting, Connie Joyner spoke up in support of the change in ordinance to a leash law.

In all, the town received petitions signed by 124 citizens.

Mayor Jay Jenkins thanked those who had attended the meeting, but cautioned them there would be no action at Thursday’s meeting.

&uot;Obviously, we are going to take this into consideration,&uot; he said. &uot;We cannot and will not do anything at this meeting.&uot;

Jenkins said he had provided town commissioners Les Clark, David Cooper, Joe Mitchell and Joe Blythe with the current Woodland ordinance and with the leash laws adopted by Conway and Rich Square.

&uot;Passing an ordinance is something that takes several steps,&uot; Jenkins reiterated. &uot;One of the things the board will have to consider is how it will affect the entire town.&uot;

He told the citizens not to assume that nothing would happen because no action was taken Thursday night.

&uot;Just because there is no action taken at this meeting doesn’t mean it’s just gone,&uot; he said.

Clark, who serves as mayor pro-tempore, pointed out that many of the complaints centered around animals which were breaching the current town ordinance. He suggested written complaints be made concerning them.

&uot;The current ordinance requires a written compliant,&uot; he said. &uot;If the complaints could be turned in to Police Chief (Don) Ryan, we could take care of most of those under the current ordinance.&uot;

Jenkins closed the discussion by saying the town board would look further into the situation.