Jefferson County resident urges commissioners to restore animal-shelter contract after loose-dog incident

Ken Ramage, a Jefferson County resident, told the Board of County Commissioners that a loose dog in his Rigby neighborhood was not accepted by local shelters and urged the county to re-establish a contract so deputies have somewhere to take animals.

Ramage said the dog had gotten loose and, though a neighbor caught it and he put the animal on Facebook, he "could find, and nobody would take the dog" until the owner reclaimed it the next day. He said the previous contract with Snake River Shelter was canceled about a year ago and asked whether the county could pursue a new agreement, possibly with Rexburg or other nearby facilities.

County staff acknowledged the prior contract with Snake River had been canceled and said they have tried other facilities without success. A commissioner noted that creating and operating a county animal pound would be expensive and subject to regulations; deputies have limited enforcement authority without an ordinance covering dogs at large, the board said. Commissioners and staff agreed to check again with Snake River and other nearby shelters and to explore options, including possible interlocal agreements.

The board encouraged Ramage to follow up with county staff (Audrey and Jessica were referenced as contacts) and said staff would research whether there are budgetary or contractual options to address sightings of loose or vicious dogs.

The matter was presented as public comment; there was no formal vote. Commissioners said the issue likely requires further research on ordinances, contract options, and costs before a policy or budget request is brought back to the board.