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Senate committee hears 'Working Animals' bill; sponsor and cities debate scope and definitions
Summary
Senate Bill 96 would block local governments from banning use of "working animals" for commerce or service. Sponsor Sen. John Fuller said the bill protects livestock guardian animals; municipal groups urged caution and asked the committee to narrow the bill to avoid limiting local animal and public‑safety rules.
Sen. John Fuller (R‑Kalispell) opened the Senate Local Government Committee hearing on Senate Bill 96 by saying the measure "establishes protection for working animals" and "is a simple bill," primarily intended to protect livestock guardian animals used in agricultural settings. "That's the purpose of this bill," Fuller said, describing livestock guardian dogs, donkeys and llamas as tools that reduce predator losses on ranches.
Opponents included Kelly Lynch, executive director of the Montana League of Cities and Towns, who said she was testifying "specifically on behalf of the cities." Lynch said the bill's definition of "working animal" is broad and could restrict local authority to regulate animals in urban…
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