Branson Press Release: Proposed new animal ordinance update - final reading scheduled for Jan. 11

At the November 9, 2021, Board of Aldermen meeting, the Board postponed the final reading of the proposed new animal ordinance to January 11, 2021.

The proposed animal ordinance in its entirety, including amendments made at the last meeting, can be found on the Animal Control section of the Branson Police Department’s website. It’s important to note that language which is bold and underlined has been added and language which is bracketed and stricken has been removed.

Residents are asked to contact their Aldermen, who are elected to represent the residents in their Ward, with any feedback or concerns. The Aldermen, the Ward in which they represent and their contact information can be found on the front page of the city’s website, BransonMo.Gov.

This proposed new animal code is the culmination of 18 months of research and collaboration with area animal control units, other municipalities, zoological associations, the Missouri Department of Agriculture and the Municipal League.

Animal Code Timeline

• September of 2019 - This issue was brought before the Board of Aldermen in a public study session.
• November of 2020 - This issue was brought before the Board of Aldermen in another public study session.
• March 9, 2021 Board of Aldermen meeting - The Branson Board of Aldermen passed the proposed ordinance during its first read.
• March 23, 2021 Board of Aldermen meeting - The Branson Board of Aldermen voted to postpone this item’s final reading to April 27, 2021.
• April 27, 2021 Board of Aldermen meeting - The Branson Board of Aldermen voted to postpone this item’s final reading to August 24, 2021, for more public feedback.

• May 20, 2021 - First Town Hall meeting and community discussion of proposed animal ordinance.
• May 22, 2021 - Second Town Hall meeting and community discussion of proposed animal ordinance.
• June 9, 2021 - Third Town Hall meeting and community discussion of proposed animal ordinance
• August 24, 2021 Board of Aldermen meeting – The Branson Board of Aldermen voted to postpone this item's final reading to November 9, 2021, so they can discuss amendments at the October 21, 2021 Study Session.
• October 21, 2021 – This issue was brought before the Board of Aldermen in a public study session to discuss any changes to the proposed ordinance.
• November 9, 2021 Board of Aldermen meeting – The Branson Board of Aldermen voted to postpone the second and final reading of this bill to the regular Board of Aldermen meeting on January 11, 2022.