Churchgoers terrorized by stray dogs; pastor wants city to step in

DAYTON — Churchgoers are skipping service due to stray dogs roaming around their church parking lot.

As reported on News Center 7 at 6, Pastor Xavier Johnson has had a stray dog problem at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church for years.

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He said parishioners at the church are worried about showing up for service because they could be attacked.

Many of his members are elderly so he worried they could get spooked by the dog and fall.

Pastor Johnson said when they reached out to the police for help they told him they could not do anything unless the dogs were actively attacking something.

Last week Johnson, some of his church members, and staff brought their concerns to the Dayton City commission meeting.

“Since last week’s meeting, we’ve been getting phone calls and emails from other citizens and other neighborhoods around the city saying they’re having the same problem and that they appreciated someone going down to say something,” he said.

He hopes the city will step in and help.

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