Branson’s Board of Aldermen Meeting this evening will include the final reading of the animal ordinance Bill 5972.

March 9, 2021 saw the first reading of Bill 5972. After discussions and votes to return to revisit the final reading, the final reading is on Jan. 11. According to the staff report, the ordinance would be “amending Chapter 14 of The Branson Municipal Code pertaining to animals” by way of repealing the whole chapter and “enacting a new chapter.”

The report states that the police department “reviewed Municipal Code Chapter 14 pertaining to animals and is recommending significant changes to align with best practice models and municipal standards relative to the animal ordinance.” It goes on to say that the department completed “an initial draft ordinance and provided the Board of Alderman an overview of the proposed amendments.”

“After the presentation, the department initiated additional steps to include public comment and further define the ordinance. The proposed Chapter 14 amendments were shared with community stakeholders who provided additional feedback.” Additionally, the report states that the amendments to Chapter 14 “represent significant ordinance amendments and therefore the department recommends repealing the existing Branson Municipal Code Chapter 14 and replacing it with the amended Chapter 14 Animal Ordinance.” The amended version of Chapter 14 “creates annual license fees” for some domestic animals as well as animals regarded as “Dangerous and/or Vicious Dogs.”

The following is a screenshot from the staff report.