License fee would help animal control

Kudos to the Elgin City Council for enacting an excellent Animal Control Act on March 10. The city ordinance is based on the Illinois Animal Control Act.

Originally introduced as "Anna's Law," it was lobbied for on behalf of a Chicago woman who was killed by two dogs while jogging. She was an avid dog lover. The Illinois law - the Elgin Animal Control Act as of June 1 - is nationally regarded as a model law for dealing with dangerous dogs.

The new ordinance addresses "tethering," which is not only a humane issue but it is important in preventing danger. One of the two factors known to increase the likelihood of dog aggression/biting is whether a dog is tethered or tied up. The other is whether the dog is an unaltered male. Dogs running loose also present a danger and are a hazard in terms of car and bicycle accidents.

However, even the best law is meaningless if it is not enforced. The city does not currently have adequate resources devoted to animal control. I believe most would agree that animal control should not come at the expense of other public safety needs. As Mayor Schock pointed out March 10, the additional costs should not have to be borne by people who don't own animals.

I want to encourage all responsible dog owners to contact their city councilman and advocate for a dog license requirement in the amount of $10 in order to fund additional animal control resources.

Fran Cella

Elgin