"We have an overpopulation of stray dogs and cats in Sheridan," Chief of Police Charles Bergeron said "This has been an ongoing problem for some time."

Trustee Jim Allen said he had caught five cats in his garden and "some of them are vicious."

According to Chief Bergeron, a stray cat bit a resident two weeks ago. They've also been found near schools, marking their territory and making the buildings inhabitable at times.

"While dogs are always a problem, cats are also becoming very troublesome."

To try to combat the problem, Village Attorney Richard Burton distributed an ordinance to the village board that amended Sheridan's animal code. He said it would serve a couple of purposes.

"If this ordinance passes, we'll be able to cross check city licenses for rabies. And if we require licenses and tags for animals owned in the village, we'll know whom they belong to when they're loose."

Pit Bulls or other dangerous animals would not be affected by the ordinance.

After discussion, the ordinance passed unanimously, which means that effective May, 1, anyone in the village who owns a dog or cat older than 6 months must get a license and tag from the Sheridan Police Department's animal control officer. After filling out an application that includes the owner's name, address, telephone number, the name, breed, color and sex of the animal, the owner will also have to provide proof the animal has been inoculated for rabies.

License and dog tags are $10 per year, per dog; cat licenses and tags will cost the owner $5. A dog license can be issued for up to three years, providing the owner shows proof of a rabies inoculation that lasts as long as the license. All dogs and cats will be required to wear a collar with current tags.

To retrieve a stray dog or cat from the animal impound, the owner will have to pay the costs incurred by the village to hold the animal. The first time an animal is picked up, it will cost $150. An owner will be charged $350 if the animal is impounded a second time. If the animal is picked up three or more times, the owner will pay $750 each time the animal is retrieved from the pound.

"Equipment like small shelters, cages and tranquilizers will have to be purchased but the funds are there," Bergeron said. "We really don't like to do this but we have no choice. This ordinance will give us better control of the stray animal population and help ensure the health and safety of both the animals and the public."