By Staci Jones | The Selma Times-Journal

The Selma City Council will hold a meeting Thursday to discuss livestock issues and a city ordinance that would address them.

“It’s really a big problem,” Councilman Michael Johnson said. “Horses are breaking loose, in other people’s yards and even eating out of gardens of people in the area. Residents want to take back their ward.”

The ordinance applies to all animals within the city limits, including horses, cows, sheep, hogs, and rabbits. Although all those animals are included in the ordinance, Johnson said horses are really the only ones creating issues.

“The ordinance is not just for the horses, but they have just been our biggest concern. All of the animal complaints that we get are about the horses,” Johnson said.

The city ordinance consists of 18 sections that address animals within the city limits.

Some of the new rules include running at-large being prohibited; no livestock can be kept within 1,000 feet of churches, schools and homes; enclosures will be required as well as maintenance of premise; owners must also allow inspection and comply with directions of animal control officers.

Fines will be issued if violations of the ordinance occur. The first violation is $300. The second and any additional violations within one year would carry a $500 fine.

Animal control officer Sgt. Reginald Fitts will be in attendance at the meeting, along with Selma Police Chief William Riley and city attorney Jimmy Nunn.

Johnson hopes that the presence of the officers will help residents understand that the ordinance must be followed.

“I hope that everyone abides by the rules,” Johnson said. “I’m hoping we can solve this problem and move forward on to other issues that need to be handled.”

Johnson would like for all horse owners to attend the meeting and also welcomes those in Ward 8 who have made complaints and anyone else who has concerns on the issues.

The meeting will be held on Thursday, July 16 at 5 p.m. in the council chamber at City Hall. For more information, contact Johnson at (334) 872-6332.