Box Elder County Commission approves dog-behavior ordinance, broadband grant extension and other items; names Bingham commission chair

Box Elder County Commissioners voted unanimously to pass a new local ordinance targeting nuisance and property-damaging dog behavior, approved an interlocal agreement with the Bear River Association of Governments, agreed to a reimbursement for work on the Manaway corridor and accepted a contract and a grant amendment with conditions. The commission also appointed Boyd Bingham as chair for 2025 and completed committee assignment updates.

The commission’s action on multiple operational items came after routine reports, staff presentations and two brief public hearings on agricultural leases. The measures affect county enforcement of nuisance animals, regional planning cooperation, a broadband project timeline and reimbursements for a completed corridor project.

Tyler Holmes, justice court prosecutor, described the new local ordinance (Ordinance 6-11) as distinct from the county’s existing vicious-dog law: “The vicious dog ordinance is more tied towards animals attacking or dogs attacking animals or humans, whereas this one is more associated with animals and property damage to neighbors’ properties, as well as it covers dogs barking during certain hours.” Holmes said the ordinance treats provoked barking as an exception and contemplates proof by a video or audio recording or by three witnesses; if the sheriff verifies a complaint, the ordinance gives the alleged owner 10 days to remedy barking or property damage before prosecution in justice court. The commission approved Ordinance 6-11 on a motion that…