The Leesburg Town Council continued its discussion Monday regarding an ordinance to deal with barking dogs.

During last month’s council meeting, Greg Lumpkin asked the council to look into an ordinance that would deal with excessive barking.

Last night, resident Susan Cullins spoke against the adoption of such an ordinance, saying that barking dogs help protect homeowners.

Cullins then went on to say Leesburg needs a leash law to protect citizens from vicious animals and needs to enforce state laws that protect animals from abuse and neglect.

Mayor Ed Mackey said Monday that the town probably could not adopt an ordinance specifically aimed at barking dogs, but could pass a nuisance ordinance.

Even then, it could be difficult to enforce since the law enforcement officer would have to observe and record the offense and that would take manpower that Leesburg does not have.

He added that Cherokee County and all its municipalities need to get on the same page regarding the issue.

The council then voted to consult more with Town Attorney Al Shumaker and the county further before taking any action.

Also Monday night, the council voted to sell a 1997 van belonging to the police department for 35-hundred dollars and amended the budget to use leftover funds from the sewer extension project for various unbudgeted expenses elsewhere.

The council also set a budget workshop meeting for Thursday, September the 19th at 6 p.m. and heard from Fire Chief Joe Sonaty regarding an upcoming ISO visit.

The inspectors will be in Leesburg on October the 9th.

Sonaty says the town is in pretty good shape but he will be working to get things ready for the visit, most notably new turnout gear.

Sonaty believe the town can keep its current ISO Rating or even do a little better.