Evanston aldermen tonight are again scheduled to debate whether the city needs new rules for dealing with dangerous dogs.
The issue led to sharp disagreement at July’s Human Services Committee meeting between two dog-owning aldermen.
Alderman Colleen Burrus, 9th Ward, argued for the new regulations, which she’d largely instigated, while Alderman Judy Fiske, 1st Ward, claimed the new rules were poorly drafted and weren’t likely to properly address the issue.
There’s no evidence from materials in the packet for tonight’s meeting that staff has developed any changes in the proposal since last month, so it’s not clear what direction debate on the issue may take tonight.
The Human Services Committee meets at 7:30 p.m. on the City Council Chamber at the Civic Center.
Related story
Aldermen split over dealing with dog danger
Related document
Proposed dangerous dog ordinance
Great. More rearranging
Great. More rearranging of the deck chairs on the Titanic.
Possession by Felons
There is currently an Illinois Law on the books that could be of great assistance with vicious dogs. Being that many of these problem dogs are owned by gang members and drug dealers as intimidation or protection or for use in dog fighting. The law does not allow an unspayed or unneutered dogs to be owned, controlled or live in the same house as a convicted felon (drugs, felony marijuana possession, dog fighting, weapons). Good use of this law with enforcement could lead to criminal charges and more importantly removal of these vicious dogs from the control of these felons. I think encouraging animal control officers along with certified humane investigators to actively investigate ownership/control could end the debate for more ordinances to control this issue.
Great. More rearranging
I think the Council should pay to fund a study on the feasibility of an orchestra for council meetings. As the ship sinks, at least there will be entertainment … Or maybe they could buy the mayor a fiddle ….