About the only laws controlling domesticated and farm animals in the city of Bellevue are those that keep residents from letting them run loose in the streets, and when it comes to dogs, many people still do.
Animal owners have more free rein in Bellevue than other towns in the Wood River Valley, but that could soon change. Last month the City Council instructed Planning and Zoning Director Craig Eckles to draft proposed amendments to city code that would put more restrictions on the keeping of animals in the city.
A recent community survey turned up many complaints of dogs running wild, which is already in violation of city laws.
The Planning and Zoning Commission is taking public comment on a wide-ranging city ordinance that will limit the number and type of animals allowed on city lots, and enforce the humane treatment of them.
Everything from chickens, ferrets and birds of prey to horses, cows and pigs will be addressed under the proposed ordinance; dogs shall be chained or tied for no more than a 12-hour period, confined animals will have the enforceable right to regular exercise and veterinary care, and permits will be required for the keeping of wild animals.
The proposed ordinance calls for allowing only four dogs and cats (combined) at a single home. In order to keep more than four, residents will have to apply for a kennel license.
The proposed ordinance also calls for a minimum of 25,000-square-foot lot sizes for keeping horses in the city, and limits the keeping of chickens to four laying hens per 6,000-square-foot lot.
Hailey has a similar "chicken ordinance" currently before the City Council.
"We had a complaint a few years ago that the smell of chickens in summer was causing a resident problems because the coop, with 14 laying hens, was too close to their open windows," Eckles said.
Eckles said resident and chicken keeper Sarah Long has voiced support at public hearings for allowing chickens in the city.
"No final decisions have been made yet," he said.
The P&Z will hold a special meeting on Aug. 5 at 7 p.m. at City Hall to hear further comment on the proposed animal control ordinance.
Tony Evans: tevans@mtexpress.com
