In a quick pre-council/council meeting Tuesday night, Heflin leaders discussed their new animal control program.

Heflin Mayor Anna Berry presented a new brochure to the council which she said will be handed out by animal control officer Josh Horn.

Mayor Berry said Horn has received his Level 1 training and will be handing out the brochures to residents. She said over 20 dogs have already been captured and taken to the Calhoun County Commission Animal Control Center.

According to the brochure, all dog owners living within the city limits of Heflin are required to purchase a pet license from city hall for a fee of $3. Licenses are to be renewed each year by August 31. Before receiving license, the owner must provide proof (vaccination certification letter from your vet) that their dog is currently vaccinated for rabies. License is to be worn by your dog along with their rabies vaccination tag on their collar.

If a dog is picked up, by Alabama law, the shelter must maintain the animal for not less than seven days to give the owner time to claim it.

Dogs found running at large who do not have a proper rabies tag and city license tag, or some other type of identification tag may be mistaken for a stray and captured.

The brochure states, "Alabama law dictates that you must vaccinate your dogs and cats against rabies annually starting at the age of 3 months. The dog or cat must bear proof of this by collar, tag and vaccination certificate."

Failure to do so could lead to citations and charges up to twice the amount of vaccination as a penalty and possible jail time.

Also, dog owners are responsible for destruction or injury caused by their pets. There are no leash laws for cats but they must have a rabies tag and collar.

In other matters the mayor set Feb. 23 as the time for the next regular council meeting.

A Valentine Art Ball is planned for Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. in the Casey Auditorium. Tickets are $100 per couple and available at Heflin City Hall.