The Jackson City Council is considering an ordinance that would prohibit the owning of dogs considered to be of known vicious breeds within the city limits.

Members of the council were given a copy of the ordinance during Tuesday's regular city council meeting. It will come up for a vote at their next meeting Aug. 14.

"I think this is a good thing for us to consider," said Councilman Paul South during the council's discussion about the ordinance. "We have had some attacks, all of which have been animal to animal, but it could eventually be animal to human."

Councilman Robert Marks agreed and asked Jackson Animal Control Officer Lee Hutto to obtain a list of breeds that are considered vicious before the next meeting.

Hutto agreed to do so and added that if the ordinance is passed he would need the help of the Jackson Police Department in enforcing it. Mayor Richard Long and council members assured him the police department could be counted on to assist him.

Councilman South said he would also like to have the council consider limiting the number of pets that can be kept at one residence. "I rode by one (residence) the other day where there were at least 15 pets," he said. "Other cities have limits like the one I'm talking about. In most instances the limit is four or five."

In other business:

•The council recognized Kim Tooks, owner of the Locke/Promise Theatre for the Performing Arts, which put on a production of the play "Everyman, The Musical," this past weekend. "I attended the play and it was a wonderful experience," said Councilman South. "There were about 300 people in attendance and the production featured students from both Clarke and Washington counties."

Tooks said she is excited about being in Jackson and said future plays, concerts and the screening of classic films are planned. "We have a gospel concert this weekend and are planning a bluegrass concert," she said.

Mayor Long thanked Tooks for her efforts in bringing the arts to downtown Jackson and encouraged citizens to support the theatre and attend the events there. "The downtown revitalization committee has worked hard on making our downtown area more beautiful and have done a wonderful job," said Long. "I encourage everyone to come and check out what downtown Jackson has to offer."

•Members of the council expressed their congratulations to all of the Little League and Dixie League All-Star baseball teams for a successful season. They made special note of the fact that the 14-year-old All-Stars will play for the state title this week. "If they win there, they will go on to the World Series in North Carolina," said Mayor Long. "We are certainly proud of all of these young players."

•Chief Charles Burge encouraged citizens to participate in the "24th Annual National Night Out" (NNO) crime and drug prevention event Aug. 7 from 7-10 p.m.

Residents throughout Jackson are asked to lock their doors, turn on outside lights and spend the evening outside with neighbors and police. Many neighborhoods will be hosting a variety of special events such as block parties, cookouts, parades, visits from police, flashlight walks, contests, youth activities and anti-crime rallies.

All residents are encouraged to participate in this event.

•The council approved a motion to purchase lights for the Gillmore Elementary School walking track and the Head Start building.

•An ordinance was approved authorizing the issuance of $1.5 million in general obligation warrants for the city's part in the expansion of New Era Cap Company.

•A sewer expansion project to the Highway 43 Enterprise Zone property, at a cost of $60,000, was approved.

•A new franchise agreement with Mediacom will be considered at the next meeting.