(A) Any dog found running at large, contrary to the provisions of this chapter, shall be apprehended and impounded by the Animal Control Administrator. For this purpose, the Administrator may utilize any existing or available public pounds or animal control facility. The dog’s owner shall pay a $25 public safety fine, $20 of which shall be deposited into the State Pet Population Control Fund and $5 of which shall be retained by the county.
(B) Any dog running at large within the county on any public way or public place, or upon the private premises of any person other than those of the keeper of the dog, shall be considered a stray and shall be considered to have been found running at large contrary to the provisions of this chapter, whenever:
(1) The dog is not on the premises of its owner or keeper and is not under control by leash or other recognized control methods; unless:
(a) The dog is upon private premises, in the presence and company and under supervision of its owner, and an adult individual with an ownership or possessory interest in the premises consents to the dog’s presence on his or her premises; or
(b) The dog is upon public premises that specifically allow dogs to be present off-leash, and the dog is in the presence and company and under supervision of its owner.
(2) The dog does not bear a current rabies inoculation tag as required by this chapter.
(C) Any cat six months of age or older that has not been spayed or neutered that is found running at large may be impounded.
(D) When a dog or cat is apprehended and impounded by the Animal Control Administrator, or his or her deputies, wardens or agents, the animal shall be scanned by the Administrator for the presence of a microchip. The Administrator shall make every reasonable attempt to contact the owner, or caretaker, or purchaser of the microchip as soon as possible pursuant to the Illinois Animal Welfare Act, the Humane Euthanasia in Animal Shelters Act, and any procedures and policies or contracts set forth by the Administrator or the County Board’s Public Safety Committee.
(E) The owner, caretaker, purchaser, or contact shall be entitled to resume possession of any impounded dog or cat upon compliance with the provisions of this chapter, if not already in compliance therewith, and the payment of boarding fees and other charges as determined by the Administrator. If the animal is not reclaimed it shall be offered for adoption to rescue or animal shelters for placement.
(F) The Administrator may waive the payment of any fees for good cause.
(1993 Code, § 50.040) (Ord. 92-10, passed 11-18-1992; Ord. 2003-08, passed 11-19-2003; Ord. 2006-07, passed 6-21-2006; Ord. 2022-01, passed 3-16-2022)