DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — Earlier this month, WAND News reported that the city of Decatur made changes to its local Animal Cruelty Ordinance. Today, officials released the recent update in detail.
The council approved the changes to City Code Chapter 47 on September 3.
The ordinance prohibits the starving and mistreatment of animals.
If an animal is outside, owners are required to provide the following: a shelter made of solid wood or other weather-resistant materials with solid walls on all sides. The shelter must also have a dry raised floor and a sloped roof and be big enough for the animal to move around freely.
In addition to shelter requirements, there are additional requirements regarding tethering or tying up an animal. Owners cannot use choke collars, ropes, chains, or a cord directly attached to the animal's neck. Leashes and tethers must be at least 12 feet long. An animal cannot be tethered or confined there if the property is vacant without a competent adult.
In addition to the rules for tethering, owners cannot tether an animal to a motorized vehicle, and if the animal is sick or younger than six months, it cannot be tethered. Collars also must not be too small.
If the animals are diseased or sick, they must receive proper medical care and cannot be with other animals to prevent disease transmission.
Officials say if you suspect animal cruelty, report it to Animal Control at 217-425-4508. After that, Animal Control will investigate, and if violations are found, a citation and a notice to appear may be issued from the Courts.
In a release, the city said, "These changes are necessary to protect pets and animals, but they were also made in response to community requests from local organizations. We thank the organizations for leading this effort to further protect our pets and animals."
Copyright 2024. WAND TV. All rights reserved.
