Will County has authorized its first pet adoption program, strengthened animal protection laws and renamed its Animal Services Department in response to what county officials call a “national animal welfare crisis.”
The previous name, Will County Animal Control, has been replaced by Will County Animal Protective Services.
“These changes are the first step in a progressive new direction for animal services in Will County,” County Executive Jennifer Bertino Tarrant said in a news release issued Thursday. “This proactive approach will allow us to provide more support to animals and pet owners across the county.”
County officials noted that stray animals are on the rise locally and nationally.
“Animal intake increased by 51% from 2022 to 2023,” Will County Animal Care Services Administrator Anna Peyton said in a release. “Sadly, the current national trend is an increase in the number of stray animals and an increase in the number of animals being housed in animal shelters.”
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/PFTODDEWSNBKPMODBWX5D5MHB4.JPG)
The county cited figures from the organization Shelter Animals Count, which says 6.5 million dogs and cats will be adopted into shelters nationwide in 2023. According to the county, the number of dogs adopted into shelters nationwide has increased by 3% since 2022 and 10% since 2021. Meanwhile, pet adoptions are declining.
Will County enacted an ordinance amendment in January to expand the role of the Animal Services Department, according to a release.
The changes will allow for the creation of an adoption service, which is expected to launch in late March.
The department will also be able to provide free microchips to pets owned by seniors 60 and older, military members and veterans.
Other changes will strengthen Will County's animal protection laws, including stricter penalties for animal cruelty violations, increased animal protection during inclement weather, and rules regarding dog leashes.
Will County State's Attorney James Glasgow expressed support for the change.
“The county executive's leadership in changing the department's name and amending the county ordinance reflects Will County's recognition of the vitally important mission of animal protection and welfare,” Glasgow County said in a statement. .
Glasgow was named one of the top 10 animal defense attorneys in America in 2020 by the Animal Law Defense Fund, according to the release.
For more information on changes and new services, please visit the Will County Animal Services website at www.willcounty.gov/AnimalServices.
