*If you have animal issues with one of your neighbors please go speak with them before contacting the county.

Animal control – Gallatin County Sheriff’s Department 406-582-2100

Gallatin County Dog Control Ordinances:

Dog at Large 2003-01-04
“At Large” shall mean any dog off the premises of the owner or its agent and not under immediate control by a reasonable leash, tether, lead, or other physical control devise, hand control, voice control or signal control of a capable person.

  •  First Offense – $50
  • Second Offense – $100
  • Third Offense – $150

Vicious and Dangerous Dog 2003-01-5
“Vicious Dog” shall mean any dog which bites or attempts to bite any human being without provocation.
“Dangerous Dog” shall mean a dog which harasses, chases, bites or attempts to bite any animal.

 Fine is set by Judge and not to exceed $500 for first offense.


Barking Dog 2003-01-6
A barking dog is any dog which unreasonably annoys or disturbs any person by continuous and habitual barking, howling, yelping, crying, or whining.

  • First Offense – $50
  • Second Offense – $100
  • Third Offense – $150

Cruelty to Animals 2003-01-07
It is illegal to mistreat or neglect an animal by beating, tormenting, injuring, killing or carrying an animal in a cruel manner, or failing to provide such animal with proper drink, food, shelter or obvious veterinary care, or abandoning any animal where it becoms a public charge.

 Fine is set by Judge and not to exceed $1000 for first offense. Second offense is a felony.


Rabies Vaccination and Control 2003-01-8

It is unlawful to be an owner of a dog over the age of six months that is not currently vaccinated for rabies.

It is unlawful to be an owner of a dog over the age of six months that is not wearing a collar with a tag showing proof thereof.

  •  First Offense – $50
  • Second Offense – $100
  • Third Offense – $150