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Update 8/7/2026:
An updated resolution was presented to county commissioners at their Aug. 6 public hearing meeting. Commissioners heard public comment, and staff will consider making changes to the resolution based on comment received.
Commissioners will consider the final resolution at an administrative public meeting at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25.
Residents are welcome to attend this meeting in-person or virtually.
In-person location: Second floor conference room, 199 W. Pine St., Missoula
Virtual option:Residents can attend the meeting via Microsoft Teams. To join the call on your phone, call 406-272-4824, Conference ID 467 457 758#. To join the meeting on your device, follow the links on the agenda that will be published at http://missoula.co/bccmeetings
It is not clear under state law which agency, if any, has jurisdiction to manage feral horses in Montana. After discussing the issue with the Montana Department of Livestock, Missoula County convened the following agency representatives with subject matter expertise in land and livestock management, ecology and law enforcement:
Dan Bugni, Lindsey Simon, Dustin Datisman, Jay Bodner, Tahnee Szymanski – Montana Department of Livestock
Chuck Casper – MPG Ranch
Natalie Sullivan – MSU Extension Office
Randy Arnold – Missoula County Lands, Culture and Recreation
Chris Lounsbury – Missoula County Commissioners’ Office
Paul Pfau – Montana Highway Patrol
Jeremiah Petersen – Missoula County Sheriff’s Office
Bryce Christians – Missoula County Ecology and Extension
Chet Crowser – Missoula County Office of Lands and Communities
Bart Morris – Oxbow Cattle Co.
The group discussed the following considerations:
History & Biology
Feral horses have been part of the Missoula County landscape for more than a century, with historical accounts dating back to the early 1900s. Private landowners have periodically conducted roundups of feral horses on their properties, The roundups most recently occurred in 1991, 2003, 2012 and 2023 (in the most recent roundup, the horses were sold to buyers interested in their rodeo stock lineage). Horses continue to remain in the area today, and a smaller band has moved closer to residential areas, raising new questions about safety and management.
Horses require about 35 acres per head for sustainable grazing, based on the Animal Unit Month (AUM) standard.
Development pressures are reducing available range.
Populations can double every 4 to 5 years, and gestation lasts about 11 months.
Several bands exist in the Miller Creek and surrounding areas, with some groups consistently in residential subdivisions.
Health Concerns
Feral horses pose limited risk to other species, but domestic horses can be affected.
Diseases of concern include EHV-1, influenza, equine infectious anemia, salmonella, pigeon fever and equine piroplasmosis (which can remain undetected for long periods).
The spread of disease can impact the livelihood of landowners in the area who depend on domestic horses to conduct business.
Vaccines exist for some diseases but are not fully preventative. There are also logistical considerations around how to contain and vaccinate the feral horses.
Public Safety
A documented vehicle collision occurred in September 2025, resulting in the death of one of the feral stallions.
Horses can weigh up to 1,500 lbs., creating significant hazards on roadways.
Stallions may be aggressive and territorial, especially near homes.
Horse bites are extremely strong — capable of crushing bone without breaking the skin.
Dogs and horses do not mix well; protective instincts around foals increase risk to both animals.
Legal and Jurisdiction Considerations
Horses are considered abandoned livestock, not wildlife. This differs from urban deer and other wildlife, which fall the authority under Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
Jurisdiction primarily falls to private landowners, county and state entities, not federal. The horses primarily being on private property is the main complicating factor; if they were on public land, government agencies would have clearer jurisdiction.
Many residents value the horses and want to see them documented and monitored.
Others express concerns about safety, property damage, and disease transmission.
Local agricultural producers worry about the spread of disease and other impacts on domestic horses and business operations.
Update 8/7/2026:
An updated resolution was presented to county commissioners at their Aug. 6 public hearing meeting. Commissioners heard public comment, and staff will consider making changes to the resolution based on comment received.
Commissioners will consider the final resolution at an administrative public meeting at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25.
Residents are welcome to attend this meeting in-person or virtually.
In-person location: Second floor conference room, 199 W. Pine St., Missoula
Virtual option:Residents can attend the meeting via Microsoft Teams. To join the call on your phone, call 406-272-4824, Conference ID 467 457 758#. To join the meeting on your device, follow the links on the agenda that will be published at http://missoula.co/bccmeetings
It is not clear under state law which agency, if any, has jurisdiction to manage feral horses in Montana. After discussing the issue with the Montana Department of Livestock, Missoula County convened the following agency representatives with subject matter expertise in land and livestock management, ecology and law enforcement:
Dan Bugni, Lindsey Simon, Dustin Datisman, Jay Bodner, Tahnee Szymanski – Montana Department of Livestock
Chuck Casper – MPG Ranch
Natalie Sullivan – MSU Extension Office
Randy Arnold – Missoula County Lands, Culture and Recreation
Chris Lounsbury – Missoula County Commissioners’ Office
Paul Pfau – Montana Highway Patrol
Jeremiah Petersen – Missoula County Sheriff’s Office
Bryce Christians – Missoula County Ecology and Extension
Chet Crowser – Missoula County Office of Lands and Communities
Bart Morris – Oxbow Cattle Co.
The group discussed the following considerations:
History & Biology
Feral horses have been part of the Missoula County landscape for more than a century, with historical accounts dating back to the early 1900s. Private landowners have periodically conducted roundups of feral horses on their properties, The roundups most recently occurred in 1991, 2003, 2012 and 2023 (in the most recent roundup, the horses were sold to buyers interested in their rodeo stock lineage). Horses continue to remain in the area today, and a smaller band has moved closer to residential areas, raising new questions about safety and management.
Horses require about 35 acres per head for sustainable grazing, based on the Animal Unit Month (AUM) standard.
Development pressures are reducing available range.
Populations can double every 4 to 5 years, and gestation lasts about 11 months.
Several bands exist in the Miller Creek and surrounding areas, with some groups consistently in residential subdivisions.
Health Concerns
Feral horses pose limited risk to other species, but domestic horses can be affected.
Diseases of concern include EHV-1, influenza, equine infectious anemia, salmonella, pigeon fever and equine piroplasmosis (which can remain undetected for long periods).
The spread of disease can impact the livelihood of landowners in the area who depend on domestic horses to conduct business.
Vaccines exist for some diseases but are not fully preventative. There are also logistical considerations around how to contain and vaccinate the feral horses.
Public Safety
A documented vehicle collision occurred in September 2025, resulting in the death of one of the feral stallions.
Horses can weigh up to 1,500 lbs., creating significant hazards on roadways.
Stallions may be aggressive and territorial, especially near homes.
Horse bites are extremely strong — capable of crushing bone without breaking the skin.
Dogs and horses do not mix well; protective instincts around foals increase risk to both animals.
Legal and Jurisdiction Considerations
Horses are considered abandoned livestock, not wildlife. This differs from urban deer and other wildlife, which fall the authority under Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
Jurisdiction primarily falls to private landowners, county and state entities, not federal. The horses primarily being on private property is the main complicating factor; if they were on public land, government agencies would have clearer jurisdiction.
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benitawilliams
2 months ago
I love the wild horses in our neighborhood ! Please leave them be - this has been their home for years and They are very gentle , happy and healthy People should be educated not to pet or feed them - I’m guessing that’s why the one child was kicked - I feel lucky to live in a neighborhood that shares the land with these beautiful creatures !!
Raelynn
2 months ago
This was posted on Missoula Cycling Facebook page in August, 2025: For the 2nd time in less than a month we have run into loose horses on Upper Miller Creek. Last time they were just hanging out up near the top of the first climb and were not an issue for us per se. Just an odd sight, horses chilling out in the middle of the road. Today, they were running panicked up the road just before Trails End and were a threat to anything in their path. We rode off into the ditch to avoid them and one barrel rolled over the barbed wire fence across from me, landed on its back and then ran off. Another cyclist speculated that they were wild horses. Anyone know anything about this? Are they someone's horses that keep getting out? Are they wild? Having 8-10 full grown horses running up the road right at us was a bit frightening and I don't frighten easily
Jeffk
2 months ago
I will just be short. Please leave the horses alone in Miller Creek.
Jeanne M
2 months ago
The resolution does not address or present a realistic solution for the current safety concerns voiced by area residents - it puts the burden on people who had nothing to do with the problem and plays to the feelings of the people who like them here. This is not a campaign issue - it is a safety and health issue. The resolution as proposed turns your back on the real problem. It is not "if" but "when" the feral animals at large will create a disaster or health incident. I sincerely hope a school bus is not involved because the commissioner's failure to properly address the issue will be dually noted and litigated.
Steve E.
2 months ago
Removed by moderator.
Delicia
2 months ago
My Name is Shawndelle. I am a wild horse advocate in Helena Montana. Please don't remove the horses from Miller Creek with out trying some other things first. I have been around wild horses in Arizona as well as other states and have seen how they are managed there. I have connections with the management group in Arizona. Education is key here. People need to know what they should and should not do. For example, People need to stay at least 50 feet away if not more. For traffic post speed limit signs and signs to let people know there are horses in the area. I have other ideas you can do. I would love to meet with anyone who wants to discuss things you can do to protect both the horses and people. Feel free to send me a message at mtbluebird27@yahoo.com and we can set up a time to talk more in depth about what I know. I would be willing to come to Missoula to meet anyone and to help get a group of volunteers organized and to help educate people.
luvsmustangs
2 months ago
Removed by moderator.
Delicia
2 months ago
Removed by moderator.
Delicia
2 months ago
Removed by moderator.
Delicia
2 months ago
Please listen to the residents of Miller Creek who overwhelmingly want the horses left alone. They have been here far longer than most people involved in county government, and I have to wonder why there is a concern now. Do not listen to the vocal minority but rather the (up until now) silent majority that have coexisted with the wild horses for years.
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2 months ago
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Delicia
2 months ago
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Delicia
2 months ago
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Delicia
2 months ago
My name is Sheila Cushing and I live in Missoula. I normally keep my opinions to myself by I have come to love these horses. I have only lived in Montana for 2 years and I came from an extremely populated area in New Jersey. It is not often to see horses and other farm animals and it is unheard of to see wild horses. Therefore, my biggest "Welcome to Montana" moment was seeing the wild horses outside of my apartment.
I feel strongly about leaving the horses alone. They are no different than if a bear were to be on people's property or the many herds of deer that like to run across the street while you're driving 35 mph. These beautiful horses do not cause trouble and just want to be left alone. We are on their land, they came first. The issues that have come up in the past with these horses are caused by human error and lack of awareness of these animals. Education should be provided to the residents including the "Do's and don'ts" about what to do when coming across them. They are able to care for themselves and should be able to live as they please. I know I am not from here and have not lived here long, but I truly feel strongly that these horses should just be allowed to live their life.
Sheila Cushing
2 months ago
I think it isnt right to catch the horses and force them onto random pastures. They have been a family for so long. Leave them wild and free. The only way if they are to cause to much trouble to humans who take over the land is to relocate them to land where they can still be free and flourish as a group on their own. Think about the horses on wild horse island, but some where local where they are not "owned" by humans. This should be revisited IF they become more of a burden.
Luca Kai
2 months ago
My name is Leslie Tugman and I live in Missoula County. In fact, my home is one of several on the site of the old rodeo fairgrounds from which it is said the descendants of our feral horses originated. The horses visit our area often and I am in support of some form of management that allows them to remain. Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed Resolution, which in my view seems to be prematurely advanced without apparent consideration of alternative measures or balanced committee representation. The stated purpose of the resolution is to allow the capture, inspection and transfer of the horses. The resolution does not demonstrate exploration of alternate solutions such as restricting herd size, managed veterinary inspections, community regulation regarding human interaction with the horses or identification of a non-profit or other organization who might execute and fund these or other options. The committee that drafted this resolution is composed of representatives of the county, city, other regulatory bodies, a conservation research institute, and Oxbow Ranch - a commercial business. It appears that there was no representation of regular citizens living in the affected area and who support maintaining the horses in some manner. Questions: 1. Why is this resolution before the council at this stage? Since only regulators, lawmakers and a commercial entity were on the authoring committee, and no citizens living in the Miller Creek area were included, it seems premature to put forward a resolution that allows removal of the horses. Given the outpouring of support for the horses, why was there no citizen in support of the horses on the committee that authored the resolution? 2.) Will this hearing for public comment be used as a process for amending the resolution or in submitting an alternate resolution? Given these open questions, I respectfully request that the following steps be taken: 1) Balance representation of the resolution committee to include one or more community members who live in the area and who are affected by the horses. There should be balanced representation of members including those who are open to options that support maintaining the horses in some manner.
2) Encourage the council to continue to research this matter and to include in their research, best practices of other communities in the country that have successfully managed wild horses in harmony with neighboring people. I site as examples the Wild Horses of Chincoteague Island in Virginia and the Corolla Wild horses of the Outer Banks in North Carolina.
3) If necessary, extend the public comment period to ensure that all community voices are heard to allow for thorough examination of the issue.
Leslie T.
2 months ago
Good afternoon, Commissioners. My name is Tammy Staat from Missoula.
I want to begin by saying that I agree with the purpose of this resolution. Thank you for taking the time to consider and draft this resolution. Public safety, humane treatment, and responsible management are important goals. The County has authority under MCA Title 7, and the Department of Livestock has authority under MCA Title 81. A process is needed, and I am not here to oppose that.
I am asking you to address three legal gaps before you vote, because as written, this resolution could harm the horses instead of helping them. Capture and removal cannot be the only solution.
First, the conflict between Section 2 and Title 81. Section 2 states that this resolution applies only to abandoned horses and does not apply to estray livestock. However, as attorney David Aronofsky pointed out, most Miller Creek horses appear to meet both definitions: abandoned horses under MCA 81-4-501 and estray livestock under MCA 81-4-601. That creates a jurisdictional conflict between the County and the Department of Livestock. If estrays are excluded, then the herd may be excluded as well. Please amend Section 2 to include estray horses, or require the County and DOL to resolve this conflict before the resolution takes effect.
Second, MCA 27-30-204 allows landowners to remove or destroy nuisances. We recognize that landowners have rights. However, Section 6 currently makes Department of Livestock sale procedures the primary outcome. That creates pressure toward lethal solutions instead of relocation. Please amend Section 6 so that rescue placement and no-kill options are prioritized, with auction sale used only as a last resort. Also consider funding impoundment under MCA 81-4-326 so landowners have practical alternatives besides destroying horses.
Third, and most important, create a real management program. Section 1 speaks about humane treatment. Humane treatment should mean more than paperwork and removal. Add coexistence measures: prohibit feeding, petting, and harassing horses; install roadway signage; designate a single agency to respond to conflicts and injured animals; and establish a nonprofit or volunteer management program to monitor the herd, track health, and coordinate responses. We could also consider targeted management tools such as removing young stallions and fertility control for mares.
The Miller Creek community lives with these horses every day. Many residents value these horses and consider them part of the community. At the same time, there have been vehicle collisions, a child injured by a kick, a foal shot with a BB gun, and horses consuming chemically treated landscaping. Concerns about disease spreading to other livestock. These are real concerns.
The western heritage and history of these herds matter. For more than 70 years, people and horses have coexisted here. Experience shows that roundups alone do not solve the problem because other horses move into the area.
Commissioners, I agree that a process is needed. But let us make this a Miller Creek Coexistence Resolution, not simply a capture-and-remove resolution. That does not resolve or mitigate this concern long-term. Use the tools available under Montana law, resolve the estray-abandoned conflict, protect landowners and drivers, and preserve the horses that are part of our community.
This is not horses versus people. It is the Miller Creek community taking care of Miller Creek horses which are beautiful and cherished livestock that roam free and make Montana the last best place to live.
Thank you. Tammy Staat
Tammy S
2 months ago
I am a resident of Upper Linda Vista and frequently have the horses in my yard or in the nearby park. I enjoy seeing them but, as a lifelong horse person, I know that their presence in the neighborhood is not ideal. It puts them into conflict with people, cars and dogs. There have already been two horse/car collisions, a child being kicked and numerous people who have been petting and feeding them. Someone also shot one of the foals with a BB gun. It is also not healthy for them to be eating the lush, chemically treated lawns.
I have read the resolution and I am disappointed. It seems to only be concerned with the removal of the horses. The vast majority of residents do not want them to be removed. They are a unique aspect of the neighborhood. I would like to see policies enacted for coexistence with the horses. This could include: -Public education -Making in unlawful to pet, feed or harass the horses and make it enforceable. -Signage along roadways they frequent -Designating an agency to respond to conflicts and sick or injured horses -Creating a volunteer group to help with tracking the herd and keeping them safe
I hope the county will listen to its citizens and not just its corporate interests. I hope they will enact a more comprehensive plan to ensure the continued safety of both the horses and the public.
Debby B
2 months ago
Being a current horse owner I understand keeping these beautiful wild horses safe especially with a developing community. However I strongly disagree with the statements that have been made making them out to be dangerous, a nuisance to homeowners and as spreaders of disease, These statements could not be further from the truth. Living in the lower miller creek area these beautiful horses make their way onto our property several times a week for sometimes hours at a time. They have never once caused a nuisance or property damage of any kind, They keep to themselves and are quite peaceful even when being drove up on or walked up to close by disruptive disrespectful spectators. They have always remained calm and PEACEFUL even while having their babies in tow. They mind their own business and aren’t even threatening to the four dogs we have in our backyard. As for disease???? You have more of a chance of seeing health hazards at questionable boarding facilities than from these horses. As a matter of fact they look far healthier than most owned horses in Montana. They have been here since the 70’s and have never caused a problem, Do I think they should be monitored in a humane manner with the developing community, yes. Do I think they should be uprooted from all that is normal and home to them, NO!!! This is Montana! If folks don’t like the wildlife then move to another state. As for the city of Missoula, maybe you should be more focused on the attacks from drug users downtown then a herd of peaceful horses in their known habitat. The drug population amongst downtown is the dangerous nuisance to our society, Not the wild horses. We need to do everything we can to protect our wildlife without disrupting their lively hood due to false accusations. Please keep them safe, happy and protected in the upmost humane, respectful manner. Basically leave them alone unless it becomes unsafe for them and them only. Thank you!
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I love the wild horses in our neighborhood !
Please leave them be - this has been their home for years and
They are very gentle , happy and healthy
People should be educated not to pet or feed them - I’m guessing that’s why the one child was kicked -
I feel lucky to live in a neighborhood that shares the land with these beautiful creatures !!
This was posted on Missoula Cycling Facebook page in August, 2025:
For the 2nd time in less than a month we have run into loose horses on Upper Miller Creek. Last time they were just hanging out up near the top of the first climb and were not an issue for us per se. Just an odd sight, horses chilling out in the middle of the road.
Today, they were running panicked up the road just before Trails End and were a threat to anything in their path. We rode off into the ditch to avoid them and one barrel rolled over the barbed wire fence across from me, landed on its back and then ran off.
Another cyclist speculated that they were wild horses. Anyone know anything about this? Are they someone's horses that keep getting out? Are they wild? Having 8-10 full grown horses running up the road right at us was a bit frightening and I don't frighten easily
I will just be short. Please leave the horses alone in Miller Creek.
The resolution does not address or present a realistic solution for the current safety concerns voiced by area residents - it puts the burden on people who had nothing to do with the problem and plays to the feelings of the people who like them here. This is not a campaign issue - it is a safety and health issue. The resolution as proposed turns your back on the real problem. It is not "if" but "when" the feral animals at large will create a disaster or health incident. I sincerely hope a school bus is not involved because the commissioner's failure to properly address the issue will be dually noted and litigated.
Removed by moderator.
My Name is Shawndelle. I am a wild horse advocate in Helena Montana. Please don't remove the horses from Miller Creek with out trying some other things first. I have been around wild horses in Arizona as well as other states and have seen how they are managed there. I have connections with the management group in Arizona. Education is key here. People need to know what they should and should not do. For example, People need to stay at least 50 feet away if not more. For traffic post speed limit signs and signs to let people know there are horses in the area. I have other ideas you can do. I would love to meet with anyone who wants to discuss things you can do to protect both the horses and people. Feel free to send me a message at mtbluebird27@yahoo.com and we can set up a time to talk more in depth about what I know. I would be willing to come to Missoula to meet anyone and to help get a group of volunteers organized and to help educate people.
Removed by moderator.
Removed by moderator.
Removed by moderator.
Please listen to the residents of Miller Creek who overwhelmingly want the horses left alone. They have been here far longer than most people involved in county government, and I have to wonder why there is a concern now. Do not listen to the vocal minority but rather the (up until now) silent majority that have coexisted with the wild horses for years.
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Living with Herpes is a daily struggle physically and emotionally. I was diagnosed in 2019, and over time, conventional treatments lost their effectiveness. My symptoms worsened, and the sense of hopelessness grew. In March 2025, as a last resort, i turned to Doc Erayo Herbal treatment. After completing 21 days treatment, the changes were remarkable, no more outbreaks and results came back negative after going for a blood test twice. For the first time in years, I'm not just coping but truly thriving. If you’re searching for a natural alternative, this may be the hope you've been waiting for. Please i urge you to contact him now through his email address: drerayoherbalhome@gmail.com or WhatsApp him on +2348151937428 and he is capable of curing HIV/AIDS, HPV, COLD SORE, CANCER of all kinds, DIABETES and so many other infections...
WEBSITE; https://alternativeherbs.weebly.com
Living with Herpes is a daily struggle physically and emotionally. I was diagnosed in 2019, and over time, conventional treatments lost their effectiveness. My symptoms worsened, and the sense of hopelessness grew. In March 2025, as a last resort, i turned to Doc Erayo Herbal treatment. After completing 21 days treatment, the changes were remarkable, no more outbreaks and results came back negative after going for a blood test twice. For the first time in years, I'm not just coping but truly thriving. If you’re searching for a natural alternative, this may be the hope you've been waiting for. Please i urge you to contact him now through his email address: drerayoherbalhome@gmail.com or WhatsApp him on +2348151937428 and he is capable of curing HIV/AIDS, HPV, COLD SORE, CANCER of all kinds, DIABETES and so many other infections...
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My name is Sheila Cushing and I live in Missoula. I normally keep my opinions to myself by I have come to love these horses. I have only lived in Montana for 2 years and I came from an extremely populated area in New Jersey. It is not often to see horses and other farm animals and it is unheard of to see wild horses. Therefore, my biggest "Welcome to Montana" moment was seeing the wild horses outside of my apartment.
I feel strongly about leaving the horses alone. They are no different than if a bear were to be on people's property or the many herds of deer that like to run across the street while you're driving 35 mph. These beautiful horses do not cause trouble and just want to be left alone. We are on their land, they came first. The issues that have come up in the past with these horses are caused by human error and lack of awareness of these animals. Education should be provided to the residents including the "Do's and don'ts" about what to do when coming across them. They are able to care for themselves and should be able to live as they please. I know I am not from here and have not lived here long, but I truly feel strongly that these horses should just be allowed to live their life.
I think it isnt right to catch the horses and force them onto random pastures. They have been a family for so long. Leave them wild and free. The only way if they are to cause to much trouble to humans who take over the land is to relocate them to land where they can still be free and flourish as a group on their own. Think about the horses on wild horse island, but some where local where they are not "owned" by humans. This should be revisited IF they become more of a burden.
My name is Leslie Tugman and I live in Missoula County. In fact, my home is one of several on the site of the old rodeo fairgrounds from which it is said the descendants of our feral horses originated. The horses visit our area often and I am in support of some form of management that allows them to remain.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed Resolution, which in my view seems to be prematurely advanced without apparent consideration of alternative measures or balanced committee representation.
The stated purpose of the resolution is to allow the capture, inspection and transfer of the horses. The resolution does not demonstrate exploration of alternate solutions such as restricting herd size, managed veterinary inspections, community regulation regarding human interaction with the horses or identification of a non-profit or other organization who might execute and fund these or other options.
The committee that drafted this resolution is composed of representatives of the county, city, other regulatory bodies, a conservation research institute, and Oxbow Ranch - a commercial business. It appears that there was no representation of regular citizens living in the affected area and who support maintaining the horses in some manner.
Questions:
1. Why is this resolution before the council at this stage? Since only regulators, lawmakers and a commercial entity were on the authoring committee, and no citizens living in the Miller Creek area were included, it seems premature to put forward a resolution that allows removal of the horses. Given the outpouring of support for the horses, why was there no citizen in support of the horses on the committee that authored the resolution?
2.) Will this hearing for public comment be used as a process for amending the resolution or in submitting an alternate resolution?
Given these open questions, I respectfully request that the following steps be taken:
1) Balance representation of the resolution committee to include one or more community members who live in the area and who are affected by the horses. There should be balanced representation of members including those who are open to options that support maintaining the horses in some manner.
2) Encourage the council to continue to research this matter and to include in their research, best practices of other communities in the country that have successfully managed wild horses in harmony with neighboring people. I site as examples the Wild Horses of Chincoteague Island in Virginia and the Corolla Wild horses of the Outer Banks in North Carolina.
3) If necessary, extend the public comment period to ensure that all community voices are heard to allow for thorough examination of the issue.
Good afternoon, Commissioners. My name is Tammy Staat from Missoula.
I want to begin by saying that I agree with the purpose of this resolution. Thank you for taking the time to consider and draft this resolution. Public safety, humane treatment, and responsible management are important goals. The County has authority under MCA Title 7, and the Department of Livestock has authority under MCA Title 81. A process is needed, and I am not here to oppose that.
I am asking you to address three legal gaps before you vote, because as written, this resolution could harm the horses instead of helping them. Capture and removal cannot be the only solution.
First, the conflict between Section 2 and Title 81. Section 2 states that this resolution applies only to abandoned horses and does not apply to estray livestock. However, as attorney David Aronofsky pointed out, most Miller Creek horses appear to meet both definitions: abandoned horses under MCA 81-4-501 and estray livestock under MCA 81-4-601. That creates a jurisdictional conflict between the County and the Department of Livestock. If estrays are excluded, then the herd may be excluded as well. Please amend Section 2 to include estray horses, or require the County and DOL to resolve this conflict before the resolution takes effect.
Second, MCA 27-30-204 allows landowners to remove or destroy nuisances. We recognize that landowners have rights. However, Section 6 currently makes Department of Livestock sale procedures the primary outcome. That creates pressure toward lethal solutions instead of relocation. Please amend Section 6 so that rescue placement and no-kill options are prioritized, with auction sale used only as a last resort. Also consider funding impoundment under MCA 81-4-326 so landowners have practical alternatives besides destroying horses.
Third, and most important, create a real management program. Section 1 speaks about humane treatment. Humane treatment should mean more than paperwork and removal. Add coexistence measures: prohibit feeding, petting, and harassing horses; install roadway signage; designate a single agency to respond to conflicts and injured animals; and establish a nonprofit or volunteer management program to monitor the herd, track health, and coordinate responses. We could also consider targeted management tools such as removing young stallions and fertility control for mares.
The Miller Creek community lives with these horses every day. Many residents value these horses and consider them part of the community. At the same time, there have been vehicle collisions, a child injured by a kick, a foal shot with a BB gun, and horses consuming chemically treated landscaping. Concerns about disease spreading to other livestock. These are real concerns.
The western heritage and history of these herds matter. For more than 70 years, people and horses have coexisted here. Experience shows that roundups alone do not solve the problem because other horses move into the area.
Commissioners, I agree that a process is needed. But let us make this a Miller Creek Coexistence Resolution, not simply a capture-and-remove resolution. That does not resolve or mitigate this concern long-term. Use the tools available under Montana law, resolve the estray-abandoned conflict, protect landowners and drivers, and preserve the horses that are part of our community.
This is not horses versus people. It is the Miller Creek community taking care of Miller Creek horses which are beautiful and cherished livestock that roam free and make Montana the last best place to live.
Thank you.
Tammy Staat
I am a resident of Upper Linda Vista and frequently have the horses in my yard or in the nearby park. I enjoy seeing them but, as a lifelong horse person, I know that their presence in the neighborhood is not ideal. It puts them into conflict with people, cars and dogs. There have already been two horse/car collisions, a child being kicked and numerous people who have been petting and feeding them. Someone also shot one of the foals with a BB gun. It is also not healthy for them to be eating the lush, chemically treated lawns.
I have read the resolution and I am disappointed. It seems to only be concerned with the removal of the horses. The vast majority of residents do not want them to be removed. They are a unique aspect of the neighborhood. I would like to see policies enacted for coexistence with the horses. This could include:
-Public education
-Making in unlawful to pet, feed or harass the horses and make it enforceable.
-Signage along roadways they frequent
-Designating an agency to respond to conflicts and sick or injured horses
-Creating a volunteer group to help with tracking the herd and keeping them safe
I hope the county will listen to its citizens and not just its corporate interests. I hope they will enact a more comprehensive plan to ensure the continued safety of both the horses and the public.
Being a current horse owner I understand keeping these beautiful wild horses safe especially with a developing community. However I strongly disagree with the statements that have been made making them out to be dangerous, a nuisance to homeowners and as spreaders of disease, These statements could not be further from the truth. Living in the lower miller creek area these beautiful horses make their way onto our property several times a week for sometimes hours at a time. They have never once caused a nuisance or property damage of any kind, They keep to themselves and are quite peaceful even when being drove up on or walked up to close by disruptive disrespectful spectators. They have always remained calm and PEACEFUL even while having their babies in tow. They mind their own business and aren’t even threatening to the four dogs we have in our backyard. As for disease???? You have more of a chance of seeing health hazards at questionable boarding facilities than from these horses. As a matter of fact they look far healthier than most owned horses in Montana. They have been here since the 70’s and have never caused a problem, Do I think they should be monitored in a humane manner with the developing community, yes. Do I think they should be uprooted from all that is normal and home to them, NO!!! This is Montana! If folks don’t like the wildlife then move to another state. As for the city of Missoula, maybe you should be more focused on the attacks from drug users downtown then a herd of peaceful horses in their known habitat. The drug population amongst downtown is the dangerous nuisance to our society, Not the wild horses. We need to do everything we can to protect our wildlife without disrupting their lively hood due to false accusations. Please keep them safe, happy and protected in the upmost humane, respectful manner. Basically leave them alone unless it becomes unsafe for them and them only. Thank you!