Dog rescue sues Kane County

A legal complaint against Kane County Animal Control already vetted in a political forum will now move to legal forum.

Michelle Alexander of the Sita Dog Sanctuary in Yorkville is suing the county in the belief that it is breaking its own laws about animal adoption. Alexander recently returned $483 the county reimbursed her after she rescued a dog from the shelter that later proved to have an undisclosed severe hernia that required surgery.

Alexander later appeared before the county board’s Public Health Committee with allegations that the county is letting animals be adopted from the shelter that have not been spayed, neutered or microchipped. That practice is in direct contrast to the state law and the county’s own rules about animal adoption, Alexander told the committee.

The Kane County State’s Attorney’s office answered Alexander’s claims with a letter saying its review of the county’s practices showed no violation of the law. Unsatisfied with that ruling, Alexander is now taking the matter to court.

“We just want the county to do what they are supposed to do,” she said in an email. “We want to make sure that their procedures for animal welfare conform with their obligations under the statute. A person should not have to file something to make the county follow the law and do what they are supposed to do, but they left us with no alternative.”

Paul Kuehnert, executive director of the county’s Public Health Department, oversees the animal shelter. Kuehnert said Friday he had not seen the lawsuit and could not comment on pending litigation.

The county is still in the process of finding a replacement for former Animal Control Director Mary Lawrie. Lawrie was suspended shortly after Alexander made complaints about her adoption experience. Lawrie resigned after the suspension.