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Anaconda Deer Lodge County task force names leadership, begins review of animal ordinance amid public concerns
Summary
At a Jan. 15 meeting the Anaconda Deer Lodge County Domestic Animal Task Force appointed Jeffrey Miles chair and Bill Willing vice-chair, set a tentative monthly schedule, reviewed draft ordinances and heard public concerns about leash-law enforcement, grandfathering and confiscation.
The Anaconda Deer Lodge County Domestic Animal Task Force on Jan. 15 appointed Jeffrey Miles as chairman and Bill Willing as vice-chair and began a review of county animal ordinances after hearing public concerns about enforcement and property impacts.
Jeffrey Miles volunteered for the chairmanship and the task force voted to appoint him; Patti Davis seconded the motion and it "carried unanimously," according to the meeting minutes. Commissioner Steve Gates moved to appoint Bill Willing as vice-chair; Patti Davis seconded that motion and it was also adopted unanimously.
The task force set its tentative meeting cadence for the fourth Wednesday of each month, with meeting location and start time to be determined. Members of the public urged the group to hold meetings in the evening to allow broader attendance. Chairman Miles said he would "be in contact with Animal Control frequently to discuss their process."
The clerk notified the task force that the County Attorney is available to consult and would attend some meetings. At the meeting members were provided Ordinance 277, the current Ordinance 11 and a draft Ordinance 11A for review; the draft was to be examined by the task force before any recommendations to the County Commission.
Task force members flagged several substantive issues in the draft ordinance. Members noted the draft does not separately address different development areas of the county and asked for clearer definitions of those areas. Vern Tuss said he would provide documents outlining development-area boundaries and recommended the group "look at MCA to get clear definitions of what is considered a domestic animal."
Public commenters focused on enforcement and scope. One attendee said a leash law "should be one size fits all" and raised concerns about enforcement. James Rosien asked that the draft ordinance be posted on the county website for public review. During public comment James Eldridge asked whether property changes under a new ordinance would be "grandfathered in" and whether animals confiscated under new rules would entitle owners to reimbursement. Chairman Miles and Commissioner Hart both said decisions on grandfathering and any confiscation or reimbursement would be outside the task force's authority and would be made by the County Commission if and when the commission considers an ordinance.
An audience member shouted, "You need to have the answers to these questions before you go changing things!" which reflected public impatience for implementation details.
The task force also addressed meeting process: Commissioner Hart reminded members about open-meeting rules and cautioned against group email discussions. The clerk said she would create an email address for public correspondence and identified Jessica Wicks as the member responsible for bringing public questions, comments and concerns to the board.
Next steps: members will review the provided ordinance materials (Ordinance 277, Ordinance 11, draft Ordinance 11A), Vern Tuss will supply development-area documentation, the clerk will coordinate County Attorney participation at future meetings, and the task force will prepare recommendations for the County Commission. The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
