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Public speakers challenge Lincoln County’s proposed animal-services ordinance, raising process and economic concerns
Summary
County staff introduced amendments to Chapter 92 (animal services) to tighten dangerous‑dog rules and add penalties; public commenters — notably Viper Farms’ Jesse Putnam — accused the process of being 'stacked' against exotic‑animal owners and warned that proposed rules threaten small businesses.
County staff introduced proposed amendments to Chapter 92 of the Lincoln County Code (animal services), which would reorganize and strengthen dangerous‑dog provisions, create a level‑1 penalty when a dog severely injures a child under age 12, and move fee schedules out of the code into the county fee schedule for annual adjustment.
Staff said the changes aim to give animal services staff more enforcement authority, clarify containment requirements (including additional restrictions on level‑2 dogs when a child under 12 is present), and make the ordinance easier to follow by splitting the dangerous‑dog provisions into a standalone section. The ‘exotic animals’ portion of the ordinance was removed from tonight’s discussion for further work; staff said the current prohibition on exotic animals unless properly registered remains in effect until the revised language returns.
During the public comment period, several speakers raised strong objections. Gunny Hall criticized expanding ordinances and questioned county priorities. Jesse Putnam of Viper Farms delivered an extended, emotional presentation saying the ordinance process was “flawed” and “stacked” against exotic‑animal owners. Putnam alleged retaliation by a county commissioner, said prior incidents cited by staff were minor and did not justify sweeping restrictions, and warned that enforcement would threaten his business and livelihood. He provided industry revenue figures and said his operation had invested significant personal funds. He asked the board to reconsider or allow fuller participation from affected owners.
The board did not take action on the animal‑services ordinance tonight; staff said the exotic‑animals portion will be revised and returned for further consideration. No formal votes were held on the chapter amendments during this meeting.
