Residents in Bonifay often walk carrying a stick to protect themselves from stray and abandoned dogs.

Emerald Bethel says she won't allow her seven-year-old daughter, Miracle, to walk alone anymore.

Recently, the child was surrounded by a pack of stray dogs, which nearly bit her. Bethel says authorities are working on catching the strays', but more needs to be done.

At a Bonifay council meeting, resident Drew Smith says he and family members have had several run-ins with stray dogs. Several times, he thought they would be attacked.

The city has a 30-year-old animal ordinance, and no formal shelter.

At this time, the Bonifay city attorney is in the process of researching the current animal ordinance. He’ll look for ways to update it and give police more enforcement powers.