Stray dogs have been running the streets of Live Oak for years. Interim Police Chief Buddy Williams plans to do something about it. Williams announced new procedures Jan. 18 to take stray and abandoned pets out of circulation.

The measures focus on city animal control officer Sally Roman, under fire from citizens and elected officials for not doing enough to curb the problem.

First, Roman will now be dispatched through the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office. This will ensure that a proper record can be kept of all complaints of strays.

Second, Roman will be given a more detailed form on which to record the circumstances of each case. Both measures are designed to ensure accountability, said Williams.

Finally, the new city pound was scheduled to open Jan. 18. The old pound was demolished and dogs Roman collected were taken to the county pound during construction of the new facility. Stray animals housed there by the city were scheduled to be transferred to the new pound last week.

“We’ve got to take the excuses out of the equation,” Williams said Thursday. “We’re going to try to make [Roman’s] job easier.”

Roman came under fire at a Jan. 4 meeting of the city council’s Police Committee. Councilman Don Boyette reiterated his concerns last Thursday.

“It’s obvious to anybody that animal control for the city of Live Oak has been on somebody’s back burner,” he said. “When you ride around and see the countless numbers of animals running loose, it’s obvious someone’s not doing what they’re paid to do.”

Boyette said he was specifically referring to Roman. “Sally’s not doing her job and whoever’s overseeing her is not doing their job,” he said. “It goes right up the ladder.”

He added, “They better start doing their job, or somebody’s job is going to be in jeopardy.”

However, Boyette said he believes Williams’ reforms will help solve the problem. “I believe Buddy’s going to take care of the problem,” he said. “In my opinion, [the new procedures] will take care of it.”

Citizens have also complained about stray and vicious animals. Paula Brown, of Smith Street, told the city council Jan. 9 that her neighbor’s dogs made her a virtual prisoner in her home. She said Roman issued the owner a citation and promised to patrol the area once a week, but said she heard the dog had roamed free for a period between Roman’s visits.

On one visit Brown said Roman asked Brown if she “wanted to go over and meet the dog” so that it might behave less aggressively toward her. Brown declined. She said Thursday that she and her husband are looking into the cost of fencing their yard to keep the animal out.

Robert Bridges can be reached by calling 386-362-1734 ext. 134 or by e-mail at robert.bridges@gaflnews.com