In response to a growing public safety concern, Vian Police Chief Mark Harkins announced that the town is launching a zero tolerance initiative aimed at holding negligent animal owners accountable.

“We are at a crossroads,” Harkins said, citing a surge in incidents involving vicious dog bites, livestock injuries, and loose dogs tearing into trash and attacking other animals.

“Every day the trash cans at the car wash are turned over with trash all about the ground. This is more than a nuisance, it’s a threat to the safety and quality of life in our community.”

The new policy will involve strict enforcement of existing laws, including the issuing of citations and possible legal action against violators.

“We understand our time could be better served working bigger issues,” Harkins acknowledged, “but it has become a large enough problem to threaten the feeling of safety to the general public here in Vian.”

The police department will be working closely with the municipal attorney, district attorneys, and the Cherokee Nation Attorney General’s Office to address violations case by case.

The initiative is expected to begin immediately.

Harkins asked for the community’s patience and cooperation as the town takes steps to restore order and accountability.

“We must restore the calm by doing our due diligence,” he said, “and we intend to use every aspect of the law to do so.”

Residents are encouraged to report stray animals and other related issues to the Vian Police Department.