Online reporting for animal cruelty cases coming soon to Macon Co.

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — In September, Decatur released an updated version of their animal cruelty ordinance. It also created a more streamlined process for concerned citizens to file reports with Macon County Animal Control.

The updated ordinance was enforced immediately starting September 3. It prohibits the starvation and mistreatment of pets and animals. It also requires things like adequate shelters and tethers.

Sergeant Ronald Atkins with Macon County Animal Control said that the updates to the ordinance are necessary to keep animals and pets in Macon County safe and healthy.

"It's horrible to leave animals out in subpar conditions where they're not being treated humanely," explained Sergeant Atkins. "If you can't do those basic things, you need to rehome your dog to someone that can, or you need to bring it here to the shelter and let us find a way to help you."

He said any reports animal cruelty should be reported to animal control via phone at 217-424-1311. When filing a report, the more details the better.

"Anything and everything you know about it, what type of animal it is, where it is, the conditions as and who owns it. If there's anybody else around, how long that's been going on. Very important thing is: did you witness it yourself?"

He said first-party reports are vital, and they need to know if it's an emergency situation.

After a report is filed, Animal Control can start an investigation.

"Sometimes that course of action is to initiate a criminal investigation and impound the animals. Sometimes, the action is writing them a citation. Other times, the action is educating the owner. And working with the person who has the animal to try to get the animals environment and conditions up to where they should be," explained Sergeant Atkins.

In the future, Sergeant Atkins said that they are planning to implement an online portal where people can report non-life-threatening emergencies.

"You'll be able to go onto your cell phone, hop on there, fill out the report, shoot it in and it will go straight to wardens to be processed."