Dolton, Ill. (ECWd) –
According to the Department of Agriculture license search database, the Village of Dolton, under the direction of Mayor Tiffany Henyard, has been operating its “Animal Control” department and facility without the required license from the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
According to the Animal Welfare Act, Section 3(a), every Animal Control Facility must first obtain a license from the Dept. of Ag. prior to operating its facility.
Section 20 of the Animal Welfare Act prescribe the penalties for violations of the Act, which includes operating an animal control facility without a license, as a Class C Misdemeanor with every day a violation occurs as a separate offense.
Section 20.5 of the Act prescribes the fines applicable for violations ranging from $500 for the first violation, $1000 for the second violation within 3 years of the first, to $2500 for the third violation within 3 years of the first with a mandatory probation status applied.
We suggest the Village of Dolton immediately cease operating its animal control facility until such a time as they obtain the required license.
We also suggest they obtain municipal license plates for the animal control vehicle which would cost much less and only require a one-time fee.
Mayor Henyard and Administrator Keith Freeman were asked to comment on this situation but have not yet responded.
3 Comments
John K
Posted at 21:41h, 17 JulyIs this an attempt to give someone access to a weapon? IF so, wouldn’t be the first time someone tried to use Animal Control for that purpose.
Rhonda Smith
Posted at 16:40h, 16 JulyWhen I once inquired about stray pit bulls in the neighborhood, I was told by an officer the Village did not have a facility to house dogs. That’s when I mentioned the van was always parked in front of Village Hall; then why have an Animal Control van? The officer didn’t have an answer.
cynthia
Posted at 11:02h, 16 JulyThe number of poor animals in Dalton is staggering but she must be licensed because they might not be treating the animals humanely it’s on the Department of Agriculture’s shoulders to investigate and ensure the rules are followed. This is ridiculous and the news should be publicizing the Wild MAD MAX behavior of this Mayor