CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Waive the first reading and pass the ordinance amending Section 10-4 of the Naperville Municipal Code regarding dangerous dogs and problem pet owners (requires six positive votes)
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DEPARTMENT: Police Department
SUBMITTED BY: Jason Arres, Chief
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
N/A
BACKGROUND:
On April 5, 2022, the City Council directed the Legal Department and Animal Control to review the Animal Control ordinance and evaluate it concerning dangerous dogs.
Simultaneously, Senator Ellman and Representative Yang Rohr proposed an amendment to the Animal Control Act for the State of Illinois. The legislation was designed to protect the health and safety of the people and animals of Illinois. The City of Naperville was involved in this process, however, when the last session ended the bill did not pass through the committee.
Because the bill did not pass, City staff worked to modify the language of the existing ordinance by adopting text from the proposed state legislation. Staff also spoke with Animal Control departments in DuPage and Will counties as well as other area Police departments to find the latest techniques and guidelines used to further protect people and animals against dogs deemed dangerous. Additionally, feedback was solicited from residents on the proposed ordinance changes. This feedback was sought from individuals who were victims of dangerous dog incidents and owners of dangerous dogs.
DISCUSSION:
The additional regulations will enable Animal Control Officers to address the ongoing violations more effectively and, if passed, will allow for stricter enforcement of dangerous dogs and of owners that do not control their animals. Specifically, violations will result in a citation that requires a court appearance and is punishable by a fine plus court costs.
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A