Starting next week, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office will take over animal control enforcement for the county from the Health Department.

“Animal Control is part of the sheriff’s office or police department in most Montana counties and cities,” said Health Department Director Kathi Hooper. “This change will allow Lincoln County to more effectively and efficiently enforce animal control ordinances.”

Hooper said the Health Department will remain in charge of sheltering animals through contracts, animal and kennel licensing, and rabies prevention.

Undersheriff Brian Griffeth said James Derryberry will transition from being a detention officer to an animal control officer.

“James will officially start next week and will be attending some training to get him up to speed,” Griffeth said. “We see this position being more proactive with patrols and public awareness.”

Griffeth said Sheriff Roby Bowe’s goal is to ensure that animal-control related follow ups are being done with county residents, and to create public awareness programs to help with questions or concerns.

The Health Department first looked into making this change in 2015, Hooper said, but the recent departure of Enforcement Officer Wendy Anderson for a job with Tobacco Valley Animal Shelter “did reopen the discussion.”

Enforcement Officer Cory Cromer’s position was eliminated as part of this transition, Hooper said.

“Sheltering, licensing and rabies prevention will be handled by existing Health Department staff,” she said.