The Billings City Council convened Monday night to address the future of animal sheltering services after the contract with the Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter (YVAS) expired at the end of June. Council members are reviewing a tentative month‑to‑month agreement, three new proposals from YVAS, and an additional bid from K9 Hope Broker in Shepherd.
Proposals and council discussion
Gabby Fry, YVAS director of operations, emphasized the organization’s expertise and best‑practice approach to sheltering. “We have a lot of knowledge and a lot of backing from best practices on why we do things the way that we do,” Fry told council members. She noted that YVAS submitted three distinct contract proposals, each outlining how the shelter would continue to provide quarantine housing, court‑hold services, and community‑centric programs such as a safety‑net foster system.
K9 Hope Broker, a local animal‑care provider, also submitted a proposal, adding another option for the city to consider.
Council actions and potential policy shifts
Councilman Andrew Lindley reported that YVAS reached a tentative agreement in July, but the council has not yet voted on it. He said the motion to place execution of a month‑to‑month sheltering agreement on the November 23 business meeting consent agenda will be brought forward at a future session.
Councilman Dennis Pittman highlighted the need to revise parts of the city code to better protect pets. He advocated for a “lifetime license” model and suggested that the city should not automatically pick up stray animals, allowing them a chance to return home. “A cat that gets out will most instinctively return home within 48 hours,” Pittman explained. “So if we just leave the animal alone and it’s safe, then it’s probably going to return home. Same thing with dogs.”
Pittman also stressed the sensitivity of pet ownership to residents, noting that any path forward without a fair and equitable agreement with YVAS would be a “significant step backward.”
Next steps
The council will continue to evaluate the temporary month‑to‑month agreement alongside the submitted proposals. Council members plan to discuss policy adjustments that could include the lifetime licensing concept and a more measured approach to stray‑animal pickups, aiming to balance public safety with respect for pet owners’ rights.
All proposals and policy ideas will be reviewed at upcoming council meetings, with a decision expected later in the month.
Original reporting: KTVQ Q2 Billings (local) — read the source article.
