Butte Silver Bow evaluates outdated animal control ordinances for community safety

The May 12, 2025, Study Commission Meeting in Butte-Silver Bow, Montana, focused on evaluating local ordinances and potential changes to the government structure. Key discussions centered on updating outdated animal control regulations and the overall efficiency of the local government.

During the meeting, officials highlighted the need to revise animal control ordinances that have not been updated since 1982. Current regulations, such as those concerning barking dogs and dangerous animals, were deemed ineffective. For instance, the existing ordinance requires a petition signed by 20 neighbors before action can be taken against a barking dog, which many found cumbersome. The goal is to create clearer and more flexible regulations that allow animal control officers to address issues more effectively and enhance community safety.

Commission members expressed support for the review of ordinances, noting that many departments could benefit from similar evaluations. The aim is to present updated regulations to the council by the end of the year, with implementation targeted for 2026.

The meeting also touched on the structure of local government. Some members discussed the possibility of reducing the number of commissioners to streamline decision-making processes. One official suggested that fewer commissioners might lead to quicker resolutions, as having too many opinions can complicate discussions.

In conclusion, the Study Commission is actively working to modernize local ordinances and assess the effectiveness of the current government structure. These efforts aim to improve community safety and enhance the efficiency of local governance in Butte-Silver Bow.