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Residents urge uniform leash enforcement; task force says confiscation and reimbursement are outside its scope
Summary
Public commenters pushed for a countywide leash law and raised questions about grandfathering and reimbursement for confiscated animals; task force leadership said confiscation and reimbursement decisions would be outside the task force's authority and left to the Commission or appropriate organizations.
Multiple public commenters urged consistent enforcement of leash rules across Deer Lodge County, saying enforcement is the core concern rather than changing wording alone. One resident told the board a leash law "should be one size fits all" and said enforcement is an issue.
James Eldridge asked whether properties would be "grandfathered in" if the ordinance changes and whether owners would be reimbursed for animals confiscated under new rules. Chairman Jeffrey Miles and Commissioner Hart both said confiscation and reimbursement are outside the task force's scope and that any enforcement or confiscation decisions would be made by the appropriate organization or by the County Commission. An audience member interrupted, shouting, "You need to have the answers to these questions before you go changing things!" illustrating public demand for clear information and limits on enforcement authority.
The task force emphasized its role is to review and recommend changes to the Commission rather than to enact enforcement actions itself.
