Libby Council tables animal ordinance

Libby City Council members on Monday, taking a cue from a parade of residents who expressed opposition to a new animal control ordinance as written, tabled the proposal until committee members can make revisions.

The ordinance, which was on the agenda for its second and quite possibly its final reading, drew opposition from multiple residents who asked council members to include provisions for cats. The comments came during a hearing that preceded the council meeting. As written, the proposed ordinance’s only direction at domesticated animals includes dogs.

Council members heard from a handful of residents who urged the Ordinance Committee to include limitations on cats as well.

Jennifer Nelson of 1026 Washington said in her neighborhood there is a problem with cats. “They dig and defecate and get into my garage,” Nelson said, noting that it’s difficult to keep cats on a leash. 

Nelson also read a letter from Fish, Wildlife & Parks officer Phil Kilbreath, urging people to not feed wildlife, another provision in the ordinance. “When people feed wildlife, everyone around that person is affected, not just the person feeding,” Nelson said.

The proposal takes aim at feeding of wild turkeys and pigeons, for which a conviction could be a fine of $300 for a first offense and $500 for subsequent.