Archive for October, 2008

Concealed Weapons Permits


The Cascade County Sheriff’s Office issues Concealed Weapons Permits in accordance with Montana State Law. In an effort to assist qualified citizens with obtaining their permits and educating the public about concealed weapons the following information and links are provided. If you have further questions please contact Captain Ray Hitchcock at 454-6820.

Click here for Concealed Weapons Permit Application Form.


The following is an outline of the application process for obtaining a concealed weapons permit through the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office:


Anyone wishing to obtain a Concealed Weapon’s Permit from the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office must meet the following criteria (Reference

45-8-321. Permit to carry concealed weapon.)
- United States citizen
- 18 years of age or older
- A valid Montana driver’s license or other form of identification issued by the state that has a picture of the person identified.
- An applicant must have been a resident of the state for at least 6 months.
- Shall be required by the sheriff to demonstrate familiarity with a firearm by:

(a) completion of a hunter education or safety course approved or conducted by the department of fish, wildlife, and parks or a similar agency of another state;
(b) completion of a firearms safety or training course approved or conducted by the department of fish, wildlife, and parks, a similar agency of another state, a national firearms association, a law enforcement agency, an institution of higher education, or an organization that uses instructors certified by a national firearms association;
(c) completion of a law enforcement firearms safety or training course offered to or required of public or private law enforcement personnel and conducted or approved by a law enforcement agency;
(d) possession of a license from another state to carry a firearm, concealed or otherwise, that is granted by that state upon completion of a course that is the same as (a)-(c) above.
(e) evidence that the applicant, during military service, was found to be qualified to operate firearms, including handguns.


(A photocopy of a certificate of completion of a course described above, an affidavit from the entity or instructor that conducted the course attesting to completion of the course, or a copy of any other document that attests to completion of the course and can be verified through contact with the entity or instructor that conducted the course creates a presumption that the applicant has completed a course described above.)
If the above qualifications are met the applicant must then complete the following:

-Obtain a current set of fingerprints from our office. Times available are Monday through Friday between 8:30am and 11:00am and Saturday or Sunday between 5:00pm and 8:00pm. The cost is $5.00 (non-refundable and you must have exact change) and you must pay with either cash or money order. (No checks will be accepted!)
-Agree to submit to a criminal background check and have your picture taken.

-Fully complete the Concealed Weapons Permit Application form (Reference


-Pay the permit fee of $50.00 for a new application or $25.00 for a renewal. Payment must be in the form of cash or money order (No checks will be accepted!)
-Once the above process has been completed, the application will be reviewed and either approved or denied. If the application is approved you will recieve your concealed weapons permit by mail. If the application is denied you will be contacted and notified of the reason for denial and your payment will be returned.


*Note on renewals*

Application for renewal must be made within ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the permit



The following are links to the Montana Code Annotated dealing with Concealed Weapons:

45-8-315. Definition.

45-8-316. Carrying concealed weapons.

45-8-317. Exceptions.

45-8-321. Permit to carry concealed weapon.

45-8-322. Application, renewal, permit, and fees.

45-8-323. Denial of renewal — revocation of permit.

45-8-324. Appeal.

45-8-325. Permittee change of county of residence — notification to sheriffs and chief of police.

45-8-326. Immunity from liability.

45-8-327. Carrying a concealed weapon while under the influence.

45-8-328. Carrying concealed weapon in prohibited place — penalty.

45-8-329. Concealed weapon permits from other states recognized — advisory council.

45-8-330. (Temporary) Exemption of concealed weapon permittee from federal handgun purchase background check and waiting period.


Other Links of Interest

The Montana Code Annotated

45-3-101. Definitions.

45-3-102. Use of force in defense of person.

45-3-103. Use of force in defense of occupied structure.

45-3-104. Use of force in defense of other property.

45-3-105. Use of force by aggressor.

Attorney Generals Office – Department of Justice – Concealed Weapons Page


Burn Permits

People wishing to conduct minor open burning with Cascade County must obtain a burn permit from the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office or its designee.

The following information is provided to assist the public with understanding the state laws governing burning in Cascade County and provide specific information about what materials may not be burned at any time. If you have further questions please contact the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office at 454-6820. Burn Permits are available from the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office Monday – Friday from 8am -5pm (expect on holidays). There is no cost for this permit. Permits are also available from Belt Discount Parts in Belt. When applying for a Burn Permit the applicant must provide their name, address, phone number, materials to be burned, resources available at the burn location, section, township, range and # of acres if applicable. If there are special considerations these will need to be listed as well. Once a Burn Permit is obtained it is valid for 3 months from the date of issue but all permits may be voided by order of the Sheriff at any time. Prior to burning, the permit holder must contact the Sheriff’s Dispatch and advise them of the location of the burn, items to be burned, and a contact person in case of questions or problems. Once the burn is complete, the permit holder must again contact the Sheriff’s Dispatch and advise them that the burn is complete.

Under the provision of State Statute

50-63-103 MCA you are liable for any and all fire suppression costs and damages resulting from an escaped and/or uncontrolled fire. You are liable for your fires despite the fact that you have been issued a Burn Permit. This permit does not allow you to violate any city or county ordinances or state laws governing burning and all permit holders must abide by the State Air Quality Bureau’s “Open Burning Regulations.”

For your protection please follow these guidelines when burning:

  • Do not set fires during the period of this permit when the weather or other conditions make it hazardous to do so.
  • The permittee must have sufficient manpower, tools and equipment at the burn site to control the fire.
  • The fire shall be watched by the permittee or his or her agent until no live embers or smoke remain from the fire.
  • The Burn Permit covers vegetative material only. It does not cover such items as, but not limited to, household garbage, dead animals, treated wood, chemicals or synthetics such as rubber or plastic.
  • The following items are prohibited from being openly burned in Cascade County at any time or place.

    • Food Wastes
    • Styrofoam and other plastics
    • Wastes generating noxious odors
    • Wood byproducts other than trade wastes, such as Papers or cardboard, unless a public or private garbage hauler or rural container system is unavailable.
    • Poultry litter and animal droppings
    • Dead animals or dead animal parts
    • Tires, rubber materials, asphalt shingles, tarpaper
    • Automobile bodies and interiors
    • Insulated wire
    • Oil and petroleum products
    • Treated lumber and timbers
    • Pathogenic wastes, hazardous wastes, trade wastes
    • Any materials resulting from a salvage operation
    • Chemicals

    The following are portions of the Montana Code Annotated dealing with burning and a link to the State Air Quality Information page:

    50-63-103. Liability of offender for damages and costs.

    76-13-102. Definitions

    76-13-121. Permit for burning required

    State of Montana Air Quality Information Page Information on Air Quality regulations can be obtained by contacting the City / County Health Department at the following location:

    Cascade City/County Health Department
    115 4th Street South
    Great Falls MT 59401
    (406) 454-6950 (406) 454-6959 (FAX)

    Crime Stoppers

    The local GREAT FALLS/CASCADE COUNTY CRIMETOPPERS began in 1985 with a Board of Directors made up of citizen who volunteered to serve their community, and is coordinated by the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office and Great Falls Police Department. CRIMESTOPPERS is a non-profit organization completely overseen by the Board of Directors. All rewards are paid from contributions received from the community and do not use any tax dollars.

    The concept of CRIMESTOPPERS was to offer anonymity and case rewards to persons who furnish information leading to the arrest and the filing of charges against criminal offenders and to capture fugitives.

    During the very first year the CRIMESTOPPERS program paid its first $1,000.00 reward for a tip received for a fatality that occurred during a hit-and run auto accident. By the end of the first year the CRIMESTOPPERS program had led to 166 arrests, 137 convictions, $188,922 of recovered stolen property and narcotics, cleared 240 felony cases, and 47 misdemeanor cases.

    In July 1991 CRIMESTOPPERS placed “MOST WANTED” display cases in several locations in the community to display the “most wanted” suspects in the area. The reaction from the public was overwhelming and after a short time a monthly spot within the Great Falls Tribune was created to assist in apprehending these suspects. The “MOST WANTED” program is coordinated by the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office.

    As of August, 2004 the CRIMESTOPPERS program has recovered one million six hundred seventeen thousand two hundred and eighty-three dollars ($1,617,283.00) worth of stolen property. Recovered a street valve of over four hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($450,000.00) of narcotics. Seized almost fifty thousand dollars is cash ($50,000.00). As well as solved over one hundred sixty five thousand dollars ($165,000.00) in Vandalism cases. Clearing eight hundred forty four (844) Felony cases and two hundred eighty six (286) Misdemeanor cases.

    All of this is based on tips received from anonymous callers who received a reward if their tip resulted in an arrest.

    HOW IT WORKS

    There is a 24 hour hotline, 7272-TIPS (727-8477) for witnesses or persons with information to use to provide their information to CRIMESTOPPERS. All callers can remain anonymous if they wish to do so. All tips are provided with a “caller ID number” and the callers are provided the number so they can receive a reward. Once the information is received it is disseminated to the correct Law Enforcement Agency for investigation. If the information leads to the arrest and prosecution of the suspect, the caller may be eligible for a cash reward up to one thousand dollars. ($1,000.00)

    Once each month the Board of Directors meets and review the TIPS received and the Reward Recommendations made by law enforcement officials from the arrests and prosecution of suspects generated from the TIPS. The Board of Directors then issue rewards to the “caller ID number”.

    HOW DO I RECIVED MY REWARD?

    If the TIP you provided resulted in an arrest being made you may call the CRIMSTOPPERS TIP line at 727-TIPS on the second Friday of each month, provide your “caller ID number” and be informed whether or not your TIP received a reward. If your TIP did receive an award you will be given instructions for picking-up the reward at a local banking institution.

    WHY DIDN’T I RECEIVE A REWARD?

    There could be several reasons why you did not receive a reward. The information although very good may need more investigation before an arrest and the reward may come later. Another reason may be the person may have already been arrested just prior to your TIP or the person could not be located.

    It is very important you retain the issued “caller ID number”, as this is the only way to receive a reward. If a caller becomes a frequent caller and uses the same “caller ID number” the information received may develop a pattern of being reliable thus increasing the possible rewards.

    The recommendations of reward values are made by the arresting officers based on many factors that may include, but are not limited to, the location and description of suspects, vehicles driven, friends and associates, work locations, other family members, location of evidence, witnesses, and description of activities or crimes.

    If you would like to provide a TIP please call 727-TIPS or send us an email at jivers@ccso.psemail.com.

    To view the current most wanted photos please click here.

    Cascade County

    Dog Control Ordinance

    County Ordinance 2


    WHEREAS, Cascade County, Montana, does from time to time experience problems with dogs at large within Cascade County, with dogs harassing livestock, attacking people, causing certain undesirable and unsightly conditions to exist, destroying property, causing more unwanted dogs, causing increased health problems and experiences problems with animals not receiving proper food, water, shelter, and care;
    WHEREAS, the Montana Legislature has authorized the local government subdivisions to adopt ordinances; and
    WHEREAS, Section 7-23-2108, MCA, authorizes the county governing body to control dogs through adoption of an ordinance;
    Now, THEREFORE, in order to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of Cascade County, Montana, to control the stray dog population, to prevent dogs from running at large, and to prevent abandonment, neglect, or abuse of dogs within Cascade County,
    IT IS HEARBY RESOLVED that the following ordinance be adopted:


    Section 1

    . Definitions.


    A

    . “Owner” means any person owning, keeping, or harboring a dog, whether under claim of title, custody, or exercise of dominion and control.


    B

    . “At large” means off the premises of the owner and not under the control or management of the owner.


    C

    . “Vaccinate” or “immunization” means to inoculate or vaccinate with any vaccine or serum by a licensed veterinarian of the diseases listed herein. Distemper and parvovirus immunization may be administered by the owner.


    D

    . “Animal Control Officer” means the Sheriff of Cascade County, or any one or more of the employees of Cascade County designated by the Cascade County Commissioners as animal control officer.


    E

    . “Vicious dog” means any fierce, dangerous, or uncontrolled dog that, unprovoked, has attacked or bitten a person not trespassing upon the owner’s property or attempting to injure said owner.


    F

    . “Abandoned dog” means any dog left unattended by the owner or person charged with the custody thereof on the property of the owner, or leashed premises of the owner, for more than three (3) consecutive days, or any dog allowed to run at large without an attempt on the part of the owner or person responsible for the custody of said dog to exercise control over said dog within a period of three (3) consecutive days.


    G

    . “Neglected dog” means any animal not provided with the basic necessities of life, i.e. food, water, shelter, vaccination against disease, and treatment for parasites.


    H

    . “Abused dog” and “cruelty to dogs” means any of the following:


    i


    ii


    iii


    iv


    v


    vi


    vii

    . Failure to provide a dog with proper food, water, shelter and protection from the elements, proper veterinary care, parasitic control, and humane care and treatment.. Striking a dog with a motor vehicle and failing to stop or render assistance;. Intentionally striking a dog with a motor vehicle;. Promoting, sponsoring, conducting, participating in, or attending any fight between dogs;. Abandonment of any dog or abandoning any dog along a highway, railroad, or any other place or locale where said dog may suffer injury, hunger, or exposure to the elements, or become a public charge;. Carrying a dog in a cruel manner;. Overworking, beating, tormenting, injuring, or killing any dog;


    Section 2. Application of Ordinance

    .
    This ordinance applies to any person who owns, harbors, has custody of, or exercises dominion or control over any dog, within Cascade County.


    Section 3. Immunization Against Disease

    .
    Every person keeping, harboring, maintaining, or having custody of any dog over six months of age, shall provide immunization for such animal, at the owner’s expense, against the following diseases:


    A


    B


    C

    . Parvovirus.. Distemper; and. Rabies;
    Distemper and parvovirus immunization may be administered by the owner. Rabies immunization shall be administered only by a licensed veterinarian. Rabies immunization for every dog must be repeated at the expiration of the effective date used by the licensed veterinarian providing the immunization. Each owner of said dog must have available, upon request of any enforcement agency or animal control officer, a certificate from a licensed veterinarian stating that such dog has received rabies immunization and showing that the vaccine is current. Violation of this provision shall be a misdemeanor.


    Section 4. Parasite Control

    .
    Every person keeping, harboring, or maintaining any dog shall provide effective parasite control, if needed, at the owner’s expense. If needed, such parasite control shall be repeated at the expiration of the effective date of any parasite control used by the veterinarian or other person providing such parasite control, or as needed or required for the type of parasite subject to control. Violation of this provision shall be a misdemeanor.


    Section 5. Food, Water, and Shelter

    .
    Every person keeping, harboring, maintaining, or having custody of any dog shall provide such dog with adequate food, water, shelter, and waste control as requested for the species, breed, and type of dog involved. Adequate food means food in a volume sufficient to allow said dog to maintain normal body weight range for a dog of the type and breed involved.
    Adequate water” means water sufficient to provide for the seasonal needs of said dog.

    Waste control” means provision to the dog of sufficient space and drainage facilities, which allow for the control and disposal of all liquid and solid wastes generated by said dog.
    Violation of this provision shall be a misdemeanor.


    Section 6. Identification Requirement

    .
    Every owner, or person responsible for custody of or exercising dominion and control, is required to provide each dog with a means of identification, whether by collar or tag, which shall set forth the name of the owner, person responsible for custody of or exercising dominion and control over the dog, and either the mailing address of said person or said person’s telephone number. Violation of this section shall be a misdemeanor.


    Section 7. Dogs at Large

    .
    No dog covered by this ordinance shall be allowed to run at large in the county. No owner shall allow any dog to be at large off the owner’s property unless accompanied by the owner or subject to the owner’s management and control. Violation of this section shall be a misdemeanor.


    Section 8. Impoundment of Dogs at Large

    .
    Any dog found to be running at large in the county may be impounded and seized by any sheriff, deputy sheriff, game warden, animal control officer, City of Great Falls animal control officer, or any other law enforcement officer, or authorized officer of an approved humane organization registered with the Sheriff’s Office of Cascade County.
    Said agencies and approved humane societies are hereby empowered and authorized to enter upon private property, including the premises of the dog’s owner, in order to apprehend any dog that is running at large. This section does not authorize any person to enter any private residence.
    Impoundment shall be at a facility identified by the county as an impoundment facility.


    Section 9. Disposal of Impounded Dogs

    .
    Dogs impounded under the provisions of this section may be killed or otherwise disposed of after a period of seventy-two (72) hours.
    Impounded dogs not disposed of by sale, adoption, or redemption shall be killed by humane method. Proceeds of sale shall apply to costs of enforcement of this Ordinance, including impoundment and disposition.


    Section 10. Adoption of Impounded Dogs

    .
    If an owner of a dog does not redeem the dog within seventy-two (72) hours, the owner forfeits all right, title, and interest therein, and the same may be offered for adoption to the public. A person may adopt a dog once the application has been approved and upon payment of the following;


    A


    B
    C. An adoption fee; and


    D

    . For unaltered dogs, a neutering or spaying incentive fee, which must be utilized within six months of adoption and any necessary veterinary fees incurred.. A rabies vaccination fee; . Any license fee required by the City of Great Falls, if the person so adopting is a resident of Great Falls;
    A certificate of adoption conferring title free of all claims and interests of the previous owner will be given to the adopting person. No animal suffering from an infectious disease will be released unless a licensed veterinarian certifies the dog is disease free.


    Section 11. Costs of Impoundment, Disposal, Treatment, and Care- Civil Action to Collect

    .
    The costs of impoundment, disposal, treatment, and care incurred incident to the enforcement of any section of this ordinance is a liability of the owner or person having custody or exercising dominion and control over said dog. Such costs and expenses may be recovered by an action initiated by the County Attorney, an agency incurring such costs and expenses or by private action by any person who incurs such costs or expenses or to whom such costs or expenses are due or owed. In addition to such costs and expenses, the owner or person having custody or exercising dominion and control over such dog shall be liable for all costs and expenses of collection of such costs and expenses including reasonable attorney fees.


    Section 12. Impounded Dogs- Disease

    .
    Any impounded dog suspected of having rabies or known to have bitten any human shall not be killed or otherwise disposed of until said dog is released by a licensed veterinarian or said dog’s head is sent to the State Department of Livestock’s Diagnostic Laboratory for testing for rabies.


    Section 13. Redemption of Impounded Dogs

    .
    Dogs impounded under this ordinance may be redeemed by the owner or other person responsible for the control thereof.


    A


    1


    2


    3


    4

    . Any necessary veterinary fees incurred.. An impoundment fee; and. A fee for a rabies vaccination if the dog is not vaccinated;. A daily fee for each day, or part thereof, that the dog has been impounded;


    B

    . Any dog not wearing an identification tag, or any dog for which the owner or custodian cannot be identified, and which has not been redeemed by its owner or custodian within three days after impoundment, may be adopted upon payment of applicable adoption fees and license fees or disposed of in a humane manner.. Redemption of an impounded dog shall be made by exhibiting satisfactory proof of ownership and paying the required fees and charges, which shall include, but not be limited to impoundment fee, daily care fee, if required, license fees, if any, and necessary medical costs, if required, as follows:


    Section 14. Nuisance Dogs

    .
    It is a public nuisance for any dog to chase vehicles on a county highway or road, to run at large, or to be owned, kept, or maintained without a current immunization against rabies, distemper, and parvovirus.
    Every person having under their control any female dog in heat shall confine such dog. Failure to confine such female dog constitutes a public nuisance.

    Maintenance, harboring, or keeping of any dog which by loud and continuous barking, howling, or yelping interferes with the comfortable enjoyment of life or property by the community, neighbor, or by a number of persons is also maintaining a public nuisance.
    Any dog that destroys property, injures or destroys other pets or other animals not trespassing on the property of or attempting to injure or injuring the person, family, or property of the owner, is classified as a nuisance.
    Any person who allows any dog owned, subject to their maintenance or custody, to be kept in a manner that constitutes a public nuisance, is guilty of a misdemeanor.


    Section 15. Impoundment of Dogs Upon Nuisance Complaint

    .
    Any dog constituting a nuisance may be taken and impounded by authorized personnel. It shall be the duty of all authorized personnel and all law enforcement officers to issue tickets and file complaints for such violations. Any person aggrieved by a nuisance may file a complaint charging the owner with violation of this section.


    Section 16. Nuisance Penalties

    .
    Violation of the nuisance section shall be a misdemeanor.


    Section 17. Seizure of a Nuisance Dog

    .
    Upon a third conviction under this section of Cascade County Ordinances, or upon a single instance where the facts indicate that such action is necessary for the safety of the citizens of this county or their property, nuisance dogs shall be seized by the Cascade County Sheriff, and disposed of in accordance with the impoundment provisions of this Ordinance.


    Section 18. Vicious Dogs

    .
    Whenever an affidavit is made that any dog has bitten a person and that the person bitten was not attempting to injure the person, family, or property owner, the owner of said dog shall be issued a citation therefor, and shall be required to surrender said animal to a licensed veterinarian for quarantine within twenty-four (24) hours after service of citation. Such citation shall be served upon the owner by any person authorized under this Ordinance, or any law enforcement officer, and if the owner cannot be found at their place of residence or located in a reasonable manner, the owner may be served by leaving the citation with a person of suitable age and discretion or by placing it in a prominent place at the front door of such residence of the owner. It is unlawful for any person to refuse or neglect to surrender any such vicious dog within twenty-four (24) hours after service of a citation as provided for in this section.
    Upon failure to surrender the dog within twenty-four (24) hours, authorized personnel shall forthwith seize and impound such dog at a licensed veterinary office at the owner’s expense. In the event the owner is unknown, authorized personnel shall seize and impound such animal without notice.


    Section 19. Vicious Dog Behavior Defined

    .
    Any dog, except a dog assisting a peace officer engaged in law enforcement duties, which demonstrates any or all of the following behavior is presumed vicious:


    i


    ii


    iii


    iv

    . Lawful presence. For the purpose of this Section, a person is peaceably and lawfully upon the private property of an owner when in the performance of any duty imposed upon them by the laws of the State of Montana, or any city or county, by the laws or postal regulations of the United States, or when they are on such property upon invitation, express, or implied.. Any behavior, without provocation, that constitutes a physical threat of bodily harm to a person in a place where such person is conducting themselves peaceably and lawfully;. An attack, without provocation, that results in an injury to a person in a place where such person is conducting themselves peaceably and lawfully;. An attack, without provocation, which requires a defensive action by any person to prevent bodily injury and/or property damage in a place where such person is conducting themselves peaceably and lawfully;


    Section 20. Dog Bites

    .
    All incidents involving dog bites where such bites result in the breaking of the victim’s skin shall be reported to the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office or such other office or agency designated by the Cascade County Sheriff within twenty-four (24) hours of such occurrence. The owner of any such dog shall produce proof of current rabies immunization. Absent such proof of immunization, the dog shall be placed under quarantine at a licensed veterinary clinic at the owner’s expense, or the owner’s home, for the period of time of at least ten (10) days from the date of bite, as prescribed in Section 32-3-1204 of Montana Administrative Rules.


    Section 21. Hearing

    .
    Any dog which has bitten persons under the circumstances set forth in the above Section on three (3) separate occasions or in a single instance where the facts indicate that such action is necessary for the safety of the citizens of this community, said dog shall be put to death by an animal control officer after a hearing. Any person may protect their pets, their property, their person, or the person of any other human being from any imminent danger or attack by use of force, even to the extent of slaying said dog if reasonably necessary.


    Section 22. Conditional Release of Dogs

    .
    Upon the determination that a dog is vicious, the following conditions will be imposed if the Court does not order the dog put to death:


    i


    ii


    iii


    iv


    v


    vi


    viii

    . Any violation of this section is a misdemeanor that may result in the prosecution of the person by the County Attorney.. Owners of dogs conditionally released shall hold Cascade County, its employees, agents, and subdivisions harmless from claim or liability including attorney fees, for any claim of any person resulting from the conditional release of a dog hereunder. The owner must provide proof of liability insurance in an amount specified by the County Humane Officer prior to release.. The owner of a vicious and/or dangerous dog shall post the entrances to the property where the dog is kept with a legible warning sign;. To inform, along with animal control, any city, county, postmaster, utility company meter readers, and anyone else that comes on the property with implied consent or peaceably and lawfully, of the dog’s viciousness if the dog is moved into an area;. Any violation of this agreement will result in the dog being impounded or destroyed; . To keep the dog securely muzzled, leashed and under the control of a person eighteen (18) years of age or older, and who is physically capable of restraining the dog when the dog is off their property;. To keep the dog confined on their premises in an enclosure approved by the licensing agent;


    Section 23. Cruelty to Dogs

    .
    A person commits the offense of cruelty to dogs if, without justification, they knowingly or negligently subject a dog to mistreatment or neglect by any of the following:


    A


    B


    C


    D


    E


    F


    G


    H

    . Failure to provide for adequate disposal of solid and liquid waste matter.. Allowing any dog to breed indiscriminately or to allow such dog to breed without provision for treatment, care, feeding, and placement of any young or progeny;. Intentionally striking any dog with a motor vehicle;. Promoting, sponsoring, conducting, participating, or attending any fight between dogs;. Abandonment of any dog;. Failing to provide a dog in their custody or care with proper food, water, shelter, and protection from the elements, veterinary care for treatment of injury, provisions of immunizations, and treatment of parasites, and provision of humane care and treatment;. Carrying any dog in a cruel manner;. Overworking, beating, tormenting, injuring, or killing any dog;
    A person convicted of cruelty shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, except for Subsection E, may be prosecuted under Section 45-8-210, Montana Code Annotated.


    Section 24. Severability

    .
    If any section, subsection or provision of this Ordinance is declared invalid by any court or tribunal, the remaining sections, subsections, and provisions of this ordinance shall not be affected thereby.


    Section 25. Penalty

    .
    Any violation of the provisions of this ordinance shall constitute a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in the Cascade County Jail not exceeding six (6) months or by a fine not to exceed $500.00 or both.


    CASCADE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
    EVIDENCE UNIT/PHOTO LAB
    Supervisor Cpl. Rick Lawson
    3800 North Ulm Frontage Road
    Great Falls, MT 59404
    406-454-7698
    rlawson@ccso.psemail.com
    Evidence Division Storage

    Evidence Division Storage

    OPERATIONS STATEMENT

    By statute, the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for maintaining seized, found, unclaimed, court ordered seizures, surrendered property or contraband, and items determined to be of investigative, evidentiary value by sworn personnel, including items in physical, digital, or virtual form.

    Items deemed to be of evidentiary value, or items associated with a criminal investigation or civil litigation may be required for retention and court presentation. The primary goal of the Evidence Unit is to preserve property and evidence, make it available to court presentation, and to return known items to the rightful owner in its seized condition, or dispose of the property as soon as legally possible, to include illegal or contraband items.

    EVIDENCE UNIT RELEASE POLICY

    Authorized property will be released by appointment only. If you receive release documents from any of the protocols listed below please call the Evidence Unit, 406-454-7698, for an appointment to obtain the property.

    A valid, government issued form of photo identification (Preferably a Driver’s License) and signature will be required to obtain the release of property.

    Evidence and property that is retained by the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office may only be released by one of the following protocols:

    IN CASES WHERE CHARGES WERE FILED

    • A court order signed by a Judge directed to the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office that lists in detail the property or evidence to be released, and to whom.

    • A signed Release Form from the Cascade County Attorney’s Office, listing exactly what property can be released and to whom.

    • A letter addressed to you from the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office Evidence Unit, indicating that the property is ready for release.

    You must bring the original document listed above with you at the time you schedule to retrieve your property. If you do not have the original document, the property will not be released to you at that time.

    IN CASES WHERE NO CHARGES WERE FILED OR CORONER CASES

    • Prior arrangements made with the Investigating Deputy, Detective, or Coroner who handled the case. The submitting officer is required to notify the Evidence Unit in written form in advance, prior to any property or items entered as evidence can be released.

    Additional Information

    Property and Evidence will not be released to a third party without notarized, written authorization from the listed owner of the property.

    If you are or were a defendant in any case which is now adjudicated, and property in that case was held by the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office Evidence Unit and you are interested in retrieving said property, contact your legal counsel in that matter for assistance in petitioning an order for release of any applicable property. This excludes any items considered to be illegal or contraband.

    NOTIFICATIONS OF PROPERTY SCHEDULED FOR RELEASE

    Persons designated as owners or property authorized for release will be notified by mail of any property scheduled for release. Acknowledgement and receipt of this correspondence to the Evidence Unit by phone or written response is required within fourteen (14) days from the date of said letters.

    If no response is received within fourteen (14) days, the property will be disposed of per the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office Disposal Policy.

    Additional Information and Common Questions

    If you wish to designate someone to pick up the items, please provide the persons name and contact phone number to the Evidence Unit when you call to schedule an appointment. Also remember that release to a third party requires a notarized, written authorization.

    All property must be received personally by the recipient at the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office.

    If you feel that we are holding any property in which you claim ownership, if applicable, you may be required to provide proof of ownership including but not limited to:

    • Complete physical description of the property.
    • Make, model, or serial number of items determined to be listed as valuables.
    • Provide any identifying marks that would distinguish the property as belonging to you.

    If you wish to surrender any property held by our office, please send a signed letter describing said property, and state that you relinquish any and all ownership of the property, and authorize the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office to take possession of said property. Please send the letter to the following address:

    Cascade County Sheriff’s Office
    Evidence Unit – Attention Cpl. Rick Lawson
    3800 Ulm N Frontage Rd
    Great Falls, MT 59404

    The Cascade County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting an auction for the sale of firearms on December 8, 2008 at 10:00am. This auction will be conducted at the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office, 3800 Ulm N Frontage Rd, Great Falls.

    This auction will only be open to individuals or businesses holding a valid Federal Firearms License (FFL).

    In order to participate in this auction, the individual or business must provide the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office with the following before the close of business (5pm) on December 5, 2008:

    * Submit a written letter of intent to participate in this auction. This letter must include all business and/or individual contact information and a list of the individuals who will be attending the auction.

    * Provide a copy of the individual or business FFL.

    On the day of the auction, all registered individuals must have a valid, government issued photo ID (preferably a Driver’s License) in their possession or they will not be allowed into the facility.

    This sale includes handguns, rifles, and shotguns. Please refer to a partial list below. This list may change prior to the auction as additional firearms are authorized for release. These firearms are being sold “as is” and they may or may not be functional. The firearms will be available for examination on the day of the auction.

    If you have further questions about this auction or how to register as a buyer please contact:

    Cpl Rick Lawson
    c/o Cascade County Sheriff’s Office
    3800 North Ulm Frontage Road
    Great Falls, MT. 59404
    406-454-7698
    rlawson@ccso.psemail.com

    Please do not contact Cpl. Lawson concerning additional descriptions of the available firearms or questions about the firearm’s working status or parts.

    Handguns
    Arminius Handgun, Single Shot, .22 Magnum
    Browning Handgun .32 Caliber Pistol
    Bryco Arms, Model Jennings 9, Semi Auto Handgun
    Cobray M-11, 9mm Handgun
    EAA Corp, Model EASA-F.T. Revolver, .22 Magnum LR Caliber
    Glock Handgun, Model 23
    HK USP 45 Caliber Handgun
    Highpoint JC 40SW
    High Point 9mm Pistol, Model C9
    Highpoint .40 Caliber S&W
    Highpoint JC40, 40 S&W
    H&R Model 622, .22 Caliber Revolver
    Jennings Handgun, Model Bryco 58
    Jennings 9mm Handgun, Model Bryco 59
    North American Arms .22 Caliber Handgun
    Rohm , Model 57, 357 Caliber Handgun
    RG Handgun, 38 Special, Model RG38S
    Ruger P85 9mm Handgun
    Ruger P345 .45 Caliber Handgun
    Ruger .22 Caliber Handgun, Single Six Revolver
    Hawes .22 Caliber Revolver
    Smith & Wesson Handgun Model 28-2, Highway Patrolman Revolver, .357 Magnum
    Smith & Wesson Handgun .38 Special
    Star Handgun, Ultra Star 9mm
    Star Firestar 40 Caliber

    Rifles
    CBC .22 Caliber Rifle
    Charter Arms AR-7 Explorer
    Marlin 30-30 rifle, Model 336RC
    Marlin .22 Caliber Rifle, Model 60
    Marlin Rifle, Model 25, .22 Caliber
    Norinco Interarms .22 Caliber Rifle, Model JW-15
    Winchester 30.06 Rifle, Model 70 Featherweight

    Shotguns
    Mossberg 12ga Shotgun, Model 500A
    Remington 12ga. Shotgun, Model 870

    Partial Firearms
    Sears & Roebuck 12ga. Shotgun, Model 20
    Springfield 12ga Shotgun
    Springfield 12ga Shotgun Model 67H
    Winchester 12ga Shotgun, Model 1300
    Unknown Manufacturer, .22 Caliber Pistol

    The Cascade County Sheriff’s Office has selected East Slopes Investments to auction items for public sale through eBay on the Internet.

    Some of the items for sale include but are not limited to:

    Abandoned, Unclaimed, and Found Property

    Seized Property from Adjudicated Cases

    Used and Outdated Equipment, or other Miscellaneous Items

    To bid on items you will need to be an eBay member, and Sign In.

    Property for the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office will be listed with an icon with this seller.

    Items authorized for sale will be listed as they become available, and there may be times when there are not any items for sale listed due to a lack of auction inventory.

    Any changes to this announcement will be posted on this website.

    Please note, the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office is not conducting these auctions. We have contracted with a local business to conduct the auctions and you will need to contact them for any questions in regards to item descriptions, conditions or with questions on payment and shipping options.

    Click here for Ebay Auctions!

    After a long delay, the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office website has finally recieved an update.

    This new website should allow for greater functionality and easier updating as news and events occur.

    Please check back often as new sections are brought on-line and additional information is added.