Animal ordinance still being tweaked

Kalispell City Council postponed a revised animal ordinance Monday night.

The council wants to make some changes to the current ordinance and will host a public workshop on the topic at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 27 at City Hall.

The revised ordinance would prohibit manure from accruing for more than 48 hours on an animal owner’s property.

Council members Jeff Zauner and Tim Kluesner objected to the 48-hour period, noting that some animal owners would find it difficult to comply with the requirement on cold winter days.

Mayor Tammi Fisher questioned a proposed three-person panel that would advise a judge whether a dog should be considered dangerous, calling it a “separation of powers” issue.

City Attorney Charlie Harball said the panel would have an advisory role.

“This has got to be fixed,” Kluesner said of portions of the revised ordinance.

The city staff recommends a “pooper scooper” amendment that requires dog excrement to be picked up immediately if deposited on public property or private property without the property owner’s consent.

During public comment, Pauline Sjordal, a retired public health nurse, spoke in favor of this amendment.

“There is no consequence for leaving the droppings wherever,” she said.

Monday’s meeting also will include discussion on what to do about a conditional-use permit request for Freedom House, a clean and sober house for men at 1128 Third Ave. West. The council tabled the item on Aug. 2 and Sept. 7.