Animal control and local pet groups to work together         

[JUNE 26, 2006]  An incident that occurred at the Logan County Animal Control facility last month spurred heated public scrutiny that has led to a number of actions. A lost dog that had been in the pound for less than the legislated 14 days was mistaken for another dog and euthanized.

Assistant warden Maurice Tierney took full responsibility for the mistake and apologized to the family and to the committee. Warden Julie Parker also apologized.

Chairwoman Vickie Hasprey and other board members stood behind all of the staff during the county's board-of-the-whole meeting. Past committee chairman Patrick O'Neill was the lone board member who said he felt that the part-time administrator, Dr. Les Thompson, should be held responsible. Thompson failed to follow paperwork procedures that would have avoided the situation, O'Neill said

Dr. Thompson was not available to explain what happened. He was out of the country, helping build a church.

With Thompson already planning to retire, the committee decided he should finish out his contract and then they would be seeking another veterinarian.

The incident has led to the implementation of new identity tracking practices at the facility. Parker said that they now have a color-coding system in place "to make sure that this does not happen again."

Dr. Ron Pierce recommended the facility enact more stringent record keeping. He suggested keeping the intake information on where the dog is found on its kennel. He also recommended keeping the website pictures current with all dogs that are taken in, so that owners could look, especially over a long weekend when the facility may not be open, to see if their lost dog is there.

Parker also advises pet owners be sure their pet is properly tagged and microchipped.

County authorities are now looking into what state regulations require on the matter of animal control. The county currently oversees the Logan County Animal Control facility. Dale Voyles said that he has asked the state's attorney to review Illinois statutes and ordinances. Initial information indicates, "We do not have to be" in the animal control business, Voyles said. He said he had spoken to six other board members. "We all agree there needs to be animal control," he said.

The facility provides services that allow lost pets to be found, unwanted animals to find new homes, and protects public health and safety by removing stray animals from the streets.

For the past 28 years, with exception of a few of those years, the local facility has been under the control of the Logan County Board. During that time it has always been an issue, board member Paul Gleason said. At one time the facility had a lot of money and was turned over to another organization to run. When they ran out of money, it was turned back over to the county, he said.

The facility is funded by registration, adoption and violation fees; fines to pet owners; and by municipal contracts and county tax dollars. It also relies heavily on donations. Although great efforts have been made to hold costs down in recent years, the facility continues to operate at full or near full capacity nearly all the time, which is more costly.

Donations of food and supplies have helped hold costs down over the last few years, but the facility has always needed additional funds and it is anticipated that it always will.

The local facility is set up by ordinances that must be followed. By county law the animals have 14 days to be reclaimed or adopted out. After the regulation period of time, they are to be euthanized.

Awareness of the plight of animals that would make good pets has spurred a nearly simultaneous activation of two groups. The Logan County Humane Society and Pets Without Parents are both actively seeking to help the unfortunate animals find homes.

Jerry Bauersachs, president of the local humane society, said that they would be willing to help with a microchip clinic to be held once a year. This group is also willing provide transportation for animals to other no-kill shelters. The transportation liability regulations on this are being looked into.

Pets Without Parents in Logan County is looking for a few more good foster homes to add to their current list. This group is helping rescue animals whose time is up at the animal control facility. They place pets in foster care until a suitable home can be found. If you think you may be able to help, please call Shannon at [phone] or Stephanie at [phone] for more information.

Logan County Pets Without Parents got its start with the help of the Mason County chapter. Donations, volunteers, foster and adoption families are always needed. You can send donations to Pets Without Parents, P.O. Box 166, Easton, Il 62633. [See http://www.masoncountypets.org/.]

Next month's animal control committee discussions will include hours the facility is open and spay and neuter clinics. The committee will also discuss the findings on the requirements of animal control and how to have greater involvement with the interested organizations or possibly even turning it over to another organization to run. The meeting is July 11 at 7 p.m. at the Logan County Courthouse.

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