June 22, 2016

Honorable Mayor Thomas Hanel - Billings, MT 59101

Dear Mayor Hanel,

I am writing to request the city of Billings to modify the current section 4-308 of the animal ordinances to include a private citizen to use necessary methods to remove a distressed animal left a vehicle in during extreme temperature after attempting to contact animal control and a police officer.

On June 3rd I was an unfortunate witness to the events leading to the death of an innocent dog and the development of significant emotional distress to several citizens and business employee's in a local business parking lot.  The dog was visibly distressed and over-heating.  Animal control was contacted and making the effort to arrive at the scene, but were actively involved in retrieving another dog from a hot car in the community.  Due the current ordinance the business could not authorize any employees to break the car window to release the dog.  My children saw the dog in the car next to us as we were preparing to leave the business. Just the sight of this dog in visible distress had my children in tears.  If this were a child there would have been no question about breaking the window.  A dog is just as helpless and in need of protection as our children.

I am asking you to support this crucial topic immediately for the safety of our community members and local business owners that are making every effort to rescue innocent distressed animals.   We should not fear punishment when taking reasonable and necessary action to save a life.

Warm regards,

Beth Hall