Streamwood pets get put on a leash

The freedom of Streamwood's dogs and cats is being a little more restricted today, but not quite as much as was originally proposed.

Streamwood trustees Thursday night imposed the village's first official leash law, but changed their minds about restricting leash lengths to eight feet or less.

They also limited the number of non-caged pets, like cats and dogs, to three per household.

Previous laws had stated only that roaming pets must be "under the control" of their owner -- even if only by voice command -- and limited the number of pets to three per person.

The new leash law states that all pets off their owner's premises must be on a leash and under their owner's control.

There will be no definition of how long a leash must be, but any animal that bothers, attacks or interferes with another person or animal could be reasonably considered to not be under control, Village Manager Gary O'Rourke said.

Still, Trustee William Harper wondered if the new law would do its job without a leash length restriction. At a meeting last month, the village board considered the fact that some pets roam around parks and other open spaces on 25-foot leashes.

"I would like the board to be kept apprised if this is not entirely successful," Harper told O'Rourke. "We may have to revisit it."

The new limitation on the number of pets per household exempts new litters up to 4 months old as well as fish, caged birds and amphibians.

Existing law in the village already prohibits the keeping of wild animals, poisonous or dangerous reptiles and any horses, cattle, pigs, sheep, goats or chickens except in agricultural districts allowed by a special use permit.

The village board voted 4-0 in favor of the changes, with trustees Guy Patterson and Jim Cecille absent.

Their absence also caused a vote to be delayed until the next meeting on Feb. 21. The issue in question surrounded implementing a controversial vehicle impound fee to help pay for new police and fire department personnel.

Village President Billie Roth said the sensitivity of the issue made it desirable for the entire board to be able to be heard.