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Lincoln County commissioners form 90‑day animal‑ordinance work group after hours of public comment on proposed exotic‑animal rules
Summary
After extensive public comment from exotic‑animal owners, breeders and animal‑welfare advocates, Lincoln County commissioners agreed to create a citizen and expert work group to review the proposed animal ordinance and report back within about 90 days; the board will appoint members and retain final approval authority.
Lincoln County commissioners on May 2025 agreed to form a community work group to review and refine a proposed animal ordinance after a lengthy public‑comment period dominated by exotic‑animal owners and advocates.
Residents urged greater transparency, technical expertise and a slower process before any ordinance is adopted. Speakers called for veterinarians, exotic‑animal specialists, livestock owners and legal counsel on the panel, and many asked that openings be publicly advertised rather than filled by internal selection. Jesse Putnam of Viper Farms thanked commissioners for postponing a prior vote and asked for data supporting the proposed ban on certain exotic animals. Hannah Houser said the draft ordinance was ambiguous, potentially unconstitutional and lacked a transparent process; she urged the board to “slow down the process and take time to do it right.” Several other speakers including Sydney Wolf, Britney Fell and Dr. Brittany Chamberlain pressed the board to include subject‑matter experts and to ensure both animal welfare and owners’ rights were protected.
County staff told the board they had reached out to interested local experts and owners and asked residents to email credentials so staff could circulate names. Commissioners discussed the size and composition of the work group; proposals ranged from nine to as many as 11–13 members, with suggested representation including a veterinarian, livestock/farm owner, exotic‑animal owner, breeder, law enforcement, a general pet owner (dog/cat) and members with legal or animal‑welfare expertise. County attorney Miss Gilbert said the board would draft bylaws to govern the group.
The board directed staff to form the work group and requested recommendations return to the commissioners in roughly 90 days. Commissioners emphasized that the board—not animal services staff—will make final appointments and retain authority to accept, modify or reject any recommendation. Staff also said the board would not take action on the current ordinance while the work group considers possible changes.
Next steps: residents interested in serving were asked to email their credentials to county staff for consideration. The work group’s recommendations will be advisory; any ordinance changes must be approved by the full board.
