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Bluff council directs drafting of short 'estray' ordinance, opts to address nuisance animals before licensing
Summary
The council agreed to ask the town attorney for short, focused ordinances addressing estrays (unbranded livestock and swine), feral/loose dogs and dangerous animals, and to coordinate enforcement with the sheriff’s office; council members said comprehensive licensing should remain low priority.
The Bluff Town Council reviewed a package of outstanding animal-related ordinances and directed staff to draft narrowly focused documents to address the most pressing problems.
Mayor (presiding) read the statutory definition the council intended to address — "estrays" — meaning unbranded sheep, cows, horses, mules or swine whose owner cannot be located after reasonable search. Council members agreed an ordinance is legally required when the town takes custody of livestock and that a short, clear ordinance should establish notice procedures, holding locations, owner responsibility for costs, and disposal or auction timelines.
Council debate: Members discussed whether to consolidate livestock estrays with domestic pet rules; several favored separate ordinances because handling and disposition differ (livestock typically go to auction or sale; loose/feral dogs involve reunification and different holding arrangements). On dog licensing, opinions diverged: some members said licensing could help reunify lost pets; others called licensing burdensome, of limited enforcement value, and low-priority. Council consensus favored addressing nuisance/feral/dangerous animals first and keeping licensing 'on the back burner.'
Enforcement and next steps: The mayor said she will ask the town attorney’s office (using an associate to limit cost) to draft short ordinances and to help outline contracting or coordination with the San Juan County sheriff for pickups and housing. Council members emphasized simplicity for clear enforcement: a concise ordinance that deputies can reference when asked to respond.
What’s next: Staff will forward drafting instructions to the attorney’s office and work to set a joint meeting or consultation with enforcement to test practical processes before finalizing ordinances.
Quote: "We might as well have the policy correct so we can continue to do it," a council member said in support of drafting the estray ordinance.
