Our rural town is currently facing an escalating and unsustainable crisis involving stray, loose, and neglected animals, particularly dogs and cats. Without local infrastructure in place to manage, house, or protect these animals—or the people they impact—our community is falling behind on even the most basic standards of responsible municipal care.

Nearly every week, residents report loose dogs roaming near homes, schools, parks, and roadways. Many of these dogs are unneutered, unvaccinated, and often display aggressive or fearful behavior, posing a significant danger to pedestrians, children, bicyclists, and other pets.

We are also seeing an explosive increase in stray and feral cat populations, which has grown entirely unchecked due to the lack of accessible spay/neuter services or organized Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs.

A single unspayed female cat and her offspring can produce over 400,000 cats in just 7 years (ASPCA estimate).
Left unvaccinated, these cats are at high risk of transmitting feline leukemia, toxoplasmosis, feline AIDS, and rabies, which threaten not only animal but human health.

There are currently no municipal or county-run shelters in our area and no animal control officer on duty. The few non-profit rescues that exist are overwhelmed, underfunded, and often located too far from town for residents to utilize effectively.

According to the ASPCA, approximately 6.5 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year. By establishing a shelter and appointing an animal control officer, Glendive can significantly contribute to reducing these numbers. Additionally, shelters play a critical role in reuniting lost pets with their owners, thus enhancing community bonds and trust.

Funding for this project can be pursued through local government budgets, potential grants from animal welfare organizations, and fundraising activities. Community involvement is crucial for the success of this initiative, as volunteers can assist in operations, pet care, and raising awareness about responsible pet ownership.

I have worked in animal rescue for over seven years, assisting with everything from medical care and behavioral rehabilitation to fostering, adoption coordination, and organizing TNR efforts. I have personally rescued, rehabilitated, and placed hundereds of animals in homes, and I have seen firsthand the difference that proper sheltering and animal control can make—not just for the animals, but for the entire community.

Join us in advocating for the establishment of a municipal animal shelter and control officer in Glendive. Sign this petition to make Glendive a model city for animal care and control.