(A) (1) It has been found by the County Board of Health and the County Animal Care and Control, that animals that are not controlled by responsible owners become a hazard to the safety and health of persons.
(2) It has also been established that rabies could be present in wildlife in the county and that rabies vaccination of dog and cat pets is an important barrier to preventing an epidemic of the disease in pets and thereby preventing a potential disease problem in the susceptible population of the county.
(B) Registration provides an important means of identifying owners of biting animals and thereby establishes responsibilities for ten-day quarantines. The registration fees and fines provide money to pay the costs of effectuating the Animal Care and Control Program in the county.
(C) The purpose of this chapter is to provide harmonious relations in the interaction between person and animal by:
(1) Protecting the citizens of the county from rabies by specifying such prevention and control measures as may be necessary;
(2) Providing security to residents from annoyance, intimidation, and injury from dogs or other animals;
(3) Encouraging responsible pet ownership through education;
(4) Protecting animals from improper use, abuse, neglect, inhumane treatment, and health hazards, particularly rabies; and
(5) Providing for the assessment of penalties for violations and for the enforcement and administration of this chapter, the State Animal Control Act, being 510 ILCS 5/1, Humane Care for Animals Act, being 510 ILCS 70/1, Animal Welfare Act, being 225 ILCS 605/1, and the State and Federal Wildlife Codes.
(Prior Code, § 5-1-1) (Ord. 2005-1116, passed 11-15-2005)