STRUTHERS — City officials have given a first reading to a proposed amendment to a longtime ordinance that will stiffen penalties for those who chronically allow their dogs and other companion animals to run at large.

After Wednesday’s city council meeting, city Law Director John Zomoida said if the amended version of the ordinance passes next month, first offenders likely will face a fine and second offenses can result in a fourth-degree misdemeanor charge that could carry a 30-day jail term. Third and subsequent offenses could lead to a second-degree misdemeanor charge, according to language in the proposed amendment.

The original ordinance that sought to control dogs from running loose went into effect about 10 years ago, Zomoida said, adding the amended version also includes cats. In addition, it provides the same penalties for violations pertaining to cats as those for dogs.

The move is necessary mainly because loose dogs and cats have been an increasing problem in the city, Zomoida said.

The amended version also prohibits owners of sheep, cattle and fowl from allowing those animals to be unrestricted.

Also Wednesday, Mayor Catherine Cercone Miller presented a proclamation to the Struthers High School cheerleading team for its commitment to community service. Accepting the proclamation were Meghan Dubos and Tessa Stocker, the team’s head coach and assistant coach.

“I’m very proud of these young ladies on the squad because they dedicate so much time to that,” said Dubos, who has coached the team for nine years.

The squad, which consists of five freshmen, seven varsity cheerleaders and eight junior varsity members, participates in annual city cleanup days, conducts youth cheerleader camps for girls in kindergarten through sixth grade, sells items at Mauthe Park during movie nights and takes part in a local Build-a-Bed effort, in conjunction with the Sleep in Heavenly Peace organization, she said.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace is a Twin Falls, Idaho-based nonprofit organization that builds and delivers beds to children who have none to sleep on.