The most recognized rule in Animal Control is the “Leash Law”.

Virtually every community recognizes the risks involved with dogs roaming the community.

A dog loose in the streets risks being hit by a car, attacked by another dog or a wild animal or having an unplanned litter of puppies. People risk being bitten by a stray dog.

Over the last decade, I have seen an increase in the number of small dogs killed because they ran into the yard of a larger dog.

In our community the fine for “running at large” starts at $100 and can go as high as $500.

If your dog has an id tag, city license or microchip the officer will make every attempt to take your dog home.

However, if no one is home to secure your pet the officer will take it to the shelter.

Edited by:  Jan Mitchell

One of the greatest achievements of pet regulation is the establishment of rabies vaccination requirements.

While the United States and other countries vary about which animals to vaccinate, and when, it is commonly accepted that dogs from four to six months of age should be vaccinated for the rabies virus.

The rabies virus affects the central nervous system. It is usually transmitted by the saliva of an infected mammal, usually a wild animal. When the rabies virus is contracted, there is a small window of opportunity to begin treatment. Failure to seek treatment will usually result in death as the virus attacks and destroys the nervous system.

The likelihood of a person being bitten by a wild animal is quite low. However, think about your dogs and cats. I often receive complaints about dogs getting sprayed by skunks, and often by killing skunks. In Illinois, skunks are one of 3 main carriers of the rabies virus. If the dog bit the skunk, it would potentially be exposed to the virus. Now imagine that you give the dog several baths to get rid of the skunk odor. During the bath, the dog then licks your face, or even your lips. This then potentially exposes you.

Last year, I spoke to an emergency room doctor that routinely volunteers his services in the Caribbean and South America. One of the requirements for the doctors and nurses is that they be vaccinated for rabies. This is not cheap. The doctor spoke with the leader of the group. A few years ago, one of the physicians died of rabies because a stray dog licked his hand, which had an open wound. That doctor was not aware that many of the dogs carry a latent form of the rabies virus. That country has a large problem with canine overpopulation. Dogs are generally considered “community" pets, and do not receive vaccines of any kind.

Many people tell me their cats are indoor pets, and therefore need not be vaccinated. I have only to point out that many homes in our community get bats inside their homes. Bats are also a top carrier of rabies in our state. Cats will instinctually try to catch or kill the bat flying in the house. There is your potential exposure.

Due to public policy and animal control enforcement, the rabies virus exposure to humans has been greatly reduced.

Edited by:  Jan Mitchell

World Class Bulldog Collection - Museum Listed
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Collectibulldogs is a UK museum listed antique bulldog collection with curated pieces dating back two centuries, As a social enterprise we do not sell yet preserve these beautiful objects for generations to come.