Animal control not a drain on taxpayers

I would like to comment on your Aug. 3 article about Kane County Animal Control.

I served on the KCAC Animal Control Task Force as a representative of Metro West Council of Government. Twenty of our members have contracts with KCAC and comprise their primary customers. Metro West has been working with KCAC for several years and the relationship has been positive. They have been very helpful and responsive to the needs of municipalities.

We have negotiated a contract for municipalities and participate in a joint planning initiative to address future facility needs.

At the Aug. 2 meeting of the task force, we reported the results of our member survey on animal control services. Of the 15 surveys returned, only one expressed any dissatisfaction with KCAC and that complaint was not related to the care and administration of the facility.

The others rated the service levels from very satisfactory (1) to satisfactory (12) to neutral (2). Some municipalities expressed a wish for more services related to wildlife, but we understand the county’s responsibility for wildlife is limited to rabies control and picking up small injured or sick mammals.

Your article gave the impression that Kane County Animal Control is a significant drain on the taxpayers, while actually they are 100 percent self-supporting. They are funded through rabies tag fees, service fees, court fines and interest income.

Several Metro West members have served on the task force. We believe that all organizations need to strive for continual improvement. We support the recommendations to increase the amount of veterinary services and establish an advisory board to serve as a resource to KCAC.

Because of severe municipal budgetary restraints, we do not support a significant expansion of services to municipalities.

We look forward to continuing our partnership with Kane County Animal Control.

Stephen Pickett

President, Village of Sleepy Hollow

Chairman, Metro West Animal Control Services Committee