Tails in the News

New Dog Park Permits

The Chicago Park District recently held a meeting to discuss with the public a new policy for their 10 official dog parks: Pooches need permits. Over 100 people gathered in late July to voice concerns, ask questions, and occasionally shout angry remarks. The response was mixed, as details about the new permits were unveiled. Most park users agree that there are people who abuse the rules. Dog walkers often show up with well over the three dog per person limit, for example. However, others argue that some of the proposed legislation coming from Cook County Administrator Dan Parmer, D.V.M. is too strict. According to Stacey Hawk, co-founder of D.A.W.G. (Dog Advisory Work Group), “There are a lot of concerns about the veterinary requirements,” which currently calls for a vet exam, multiple vaccinations, and an additional checkup with the vet within 30 days of applying for the permits. Hawk would, however, like to see some regulations put into place. “I want some kind of I.D. so we can identify people that shouldn’t be in the parks.” As it stands, with no permit needed, the volunteers who run the city’s DFAs have no way to enforce the rules that are posted at each park. At press time, the proposed fees remain at $35 for a oneyear permit, $15 per additional dog, and are available only by visiting a regional park district office. However, nothing has been finalized yet. “The point of the meeting was to get feedback,” said Janice Taylor of the Chicago Park District. “We still have to get the county administrator to work with us. We want what is best for the people.”

DuPage ACC Back on Track

In our last issue we reported that DuPage Animal Care and Control Department had drawn criticism for several questionable practices taking place at the facility. In a recent review of the facility, the National Animal Control Association (NACA) found that while the shelter operates at an “above-average” level, it still needs to address a number of immediate concerns. The county has announced the hiring of an accountant, a rescue coordinator, and a veterinarian administrator to help address alleged concerns. In addition, Kerry Vinkler, a former Chicago Ridge shelter manager, and the director of Public Relations and Humane Education at the Montgomery County Humane Society in Maryland for three years, has been named the new executive director. “I have really been impressed that the program they have put into place has been as effective as it is,” she says. “They are modeling humane society activities rather than just looking like your community dog pound.” “We’re doing everything to make the facility as good as it can be,” says Jason W. Gerwig, Communications Manager of the DuPage County Board. “There are definitely things happening.” The Department has already moved the cats and kittens to a new area away from the dogs and sought information from architects to aid in the construction of a new animal sheltering facility. Vinkler also addressed the use of euthanized animals in biology classrooms stating that they’ve halted the sale of animals for classroom use, but still offer guardians a choice. “We are telling people…in the event that your animal is euthanized would you want their remains cremated or used for education,” she says adding, “did you know that 50% checked the box for education?”