Latest news with #ChicagoAnimalCareandControl
Chicago Tribune
a day ago
- General
- Chicago Tribune
PAWS Chicago puts pet rescue ‘mission front and center' at Gold Coast adoption event
Paula Fasseas always loved animals but never thought she would dedicate her life to saving cats and dogs. 'I always thought I'd like to be a vet, but I really didn't like blood so much. And it was funny, because back then, as a kid, growing up, you liked animals, the vet was the only path,' Fasseas said. But that all changed when her daughter was volunteering at a local animal shelter about 28 years ago. She said her daughter would tell her about the high number of animals being euthanized at shelters. Fasseas knew she wanted to save these animals — and that started with getting the word out. 'I thought, 'If people knew, they'd come and adopt these animals. How can I get them down here?'' Fasseas said. She started to think about streets like Michigan Avenue and Oak Street, which were lively and attracted people with their designer stores. Fasseas decided to host her first adoption event along some of those streets and the next day, she was inundated with calls from people asking how they could help. Now, 28 years later, Fasseas is still hosting the adoption event along some of the most fashionable streets in the Gold Coast neighborhood. She has also since started PAWS Chicago, one of the largest comprehensive no-kill animal welfare organizations in the country. Forty retailers along Oak Street, Rush Street, Delaware Place and Michigan Avenue lent their storefronts and windows Sunday to PAWS for the annual Angels With Tails event. Inside and outside, people perusing the luxury shopping streets could find everything from playful kittens to former greyhound racing dogs. 'The idea is to bring homeless pets into the community, into areas where people are just walking around, where they'll encounter them and hopefully fall in love and adopt. It's a way to bring the mission front and center,' said Susanna Wickham, CEO of PAWS Chicago. This year's event also comes as Chicago Animal Care and Control is receiving more animals than it can take care of. In a Facebook post, the agency said that in the first 20 days of May, it has received an average of 56 animals a day. That number is a slight jump from April, when the agency saw about 54 animals a day. 'During COVID, they had very few animals given up at Animal Control, and a lot of people in demand for animals, wanting animals,' Fasseas said. But in the aftermath of the pandemic, more people are giving up their animals. That trend is consistent with a nationwide crisis in animal shelters. Since the pandemic, many shelters are seeing a surge in the number of animals they are receiving. In 2023, 6.5 million animals entered shelters across the nation, a slight increase from 2021, according to Shelter Animals Count's national database. That number slightly decreased in 2024, with 5.8 million animals entering shelters. Despite the decrease, many shelters still say that they are at capacity and struggling to meet the needs of their communities. 'The thing that is the most alarming is just the amount of abandoned and stray pets, and also the amount of pets that are relinquished by their owners,' Wickham said. 'These numbers have been surging for the last couple of years, but they continue to be on an upward trajectory, and it's just largely tied to the economy.' More specifically, Fasseas explained that a combination of skyrocketing veterinary costs, people moving to new areas and general life transitions following the pandemic contributed to the surge in animals. 'There are a lot of people that can barely feed their families,' Fasseas said, let alone provide their pet with medical care. At the Sunday adoption event, dogs patiently sat outside stores like Dolce & Gabbana and Lafayette 148 as people stopped to play with them. Many people were looking for their next feline friend. 'Before I would just walk, play with the puppies — but this year was my time to shine,' Kristen Crabtree, a Gold Coast resident, said. She had spent hours online looking at the cats that were going to be at the event and found herself thinking about two kittens — Hobbes and Fuzz. Luckily, she arrived early and now says she has two new 'best friends to play with.' Yuri Torres, a Jefferson Park resident, had been looking for an orange cat. 'I love orange-flavored things, like oranges or mangoes, and so I always just associate tangerines and oranges with happiness,' Torres said. When she saw an orange and white kitten inside the Marc Jacobs store named Cherub, she instantly fell in love. 'I feel a connection to him,' Torres said. By the end of the day, she'd added a new member to her family.
Chicago Tribune
2 days ago
- Chicago Tribune
As residents and dogs again fill Chicago parks, data shows fewer than 1 in 4 reported bites result in citations
Ed Wolf doesn't quite recall the moments between being knocked off his bike and losing a chunk of his face in November 2023. But he remembers the phone call he made to his wife: 'I said, 'You have to come get me. I've been attacked by a pit bull,'' Wolf said. 'And she goes, 'Are you kidding?'' A day and 50 stitches later Wolf, 68, went to the police station to report the bite and found himself navigating a morass of different systems as he tried to draw official attention to the dog's owner. An officer at the Morgan Park District (22nd) police station helped Wolf get started on a bite report, which kickstarts an investigation at Chicago Animal Care and Control. The city department received some 6,435 bite reports between January 2020 and April 30 of this year, according to a Tribune review of data obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request. For that same period, data shows that CACC has issued about 1,516 citations, for 'unrestrained violations,' to animal owners. The violations cover dogs found to be off-leash in public areas, but not every violation issued pertains to a bite. All of the investigations save a single one were marked closed, leaving residents and city officials alike to complain that the path to hold owners to account after dog attacks is opaque at best and useless at worst. Wolf's was one of them. An animal control investigator spoke with Wolf about the attack, but stated in the report that Wolf didn't know the owner or how to reach him. Someone was trying to locate better information on the dog's owner, according to the investigation report. The Beverly resident said he tried to follow up with Animal Control but never heard back. A copy of the investigation associated with Wolf's bite report showed the inquiry was marked completed, with no listed resolution. 'I would have liked for there to be some consequences to this,' he said. In the 19th Ward, where Wolf lives, canine attacks have been a problem since a woman jogging in the Dan Ryan Woods was mauled to death by a trio of vicious dogs in 2003. More recently, city data shows that bites are up in that ward and citywide since agency received 1,267 bite reports in 2023 and just over 1,300 reports in 2024, according to Chicago Animal Care and Control data. But the number of unrestrained citations it issued dropped by more than half over the same period — from 390 to 177. A CACC representative said in a statement that the department was reviewing Wolf's case and one other closed case listed in a request for comment. The department acknowledged it can be frustrating for the public to deal with multiple agencies in the reporting process, but said it largely relies on the Chicago Police Department for accurate information to push cases forward. CPD representatives didn't respond to multiple requests for Care has been without a permanent leader for more than two years, since then-Mayor Lori Lightfoot appointed Susan Capello as acting director in January 2023. CACC has cut back on its hours for members of the public to bring in animals and is sounding the alarm on a flood of pet surrenders that is testing the capacity of its space and its staff. On Thursday, it reported on social media that 75 animals entered its shelter over a single day. As for why more than three-quarters of the animal bites reported to the agency are closed without a clear resolution, Animal Care and Control Operations Manager Angela Rayburn said investigators contend with missing or inaccurate information in bite reports. 'We have no other way to find the person other than what we're seeing in the official police (report),' she said. Even with the correct information, Rayburn acknowledged, investigators will mark probes closed if they are unable to reach a bite victim or a dog owner. They can reopen investigations if someone calls them back, she added, but said callbacks after the first 24 hours are rare. 'We would probably have over 100 open bite (reports) if we're waiting on people to call us back,' she said. 'We don't want to wait months just to leave it open for someone that's probably never going to call.' A department spokesperson said CACC officials and CPD were working to update a 2019 police order governing how officers handle animal-related incidents. That order directs officers to determine whether biting animals belong to anyone, and fill out bite reports for city and county animal control officials, among other obligations. If an officer can identify an owner, the order requires him or her to cite the owner for any alleged violations of city code. CACC investigators will also work with animal owners to 'address concerns rather than defaulting to citations' when appropriate, according to the statement. 'That said, our ability to issue citations or take enforcement action depends on verifiable information, including victim/witness cooperation and confirmed ownership.' People who have tried to make reports complain of a confusing and frustrating process involving multiple agencies. That can include CPD, Animal Control and potentially Cook County Animal Care and Control, which handles rabies investigations. Ald. Matt O'Shea, 19th, has resorted to getting personally involved on behalf of his constituents who need help getting bites reported and investigated. 'There seems to be a lot of confusion,' O'Shea said. 'But when I'm on the scene or I'm on the phone, or I'm getting an email from someone who was just viciously attacked, and there's a whole lot of 'Oh, that's not us' on the other end, that's a problem.' One of those constituents was Kevin Conroy. Conroy, 37, wasn't even sure where he was supposed to report the attack that left his dog Liam with a half-dozen puncture wounds and a $1,300 vet bill while the pair was out for a run on the Major Taylor Trail last fall. Conroy first called 311, he said, and was then told he needed to go to the police station. He ended up calling the Cook County Forest Preserve to report the bite, which cares for the property on which he and his dog were attacked, and filed a bite report through the Police Department. 'That was the last I heard of that,' he said. A Cook County Forest Preserve spokesperson, reached for comment, said Forest Preserve police documented the attack but didn't get any more information after the initial phone call with Conroy. According to the investigative file associated with Conroy's bite report, an Animal Control investigator conducted a phone interview but wrote that no owner information was available. The file does not list an outcome.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
‘In crisis mode': CACC warns of pet drop-offs as daily line keeps getting longer
CHICAGO — Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC) is in 'crisis mode' after seeing their daily in-take line grow over the course of the year. Sadly, pets given up by their owners are more likely to die than strays. Social media has been one of the biggest tools in its toolboxes for shelters all across the country and CACC used it Wednesday to highlight a daily reality for them — long lines of pets getting dropped off. 'The sad truth is the owner releases are the first ones on the 'chopping block,'' CACC public information officer Armando Tejeda told WGN News. The shelter is averaging in May around 56 animals being surrendered per day, up from 54 in April. Some are strays, but many are owners giving up their pets. Data shows this has increased and CACC has been reeling. Tejeda said they have been speaking with other large city shelters and they are experiencing the same thing. 'Most of it is the economy — the cost of pet food, vet appointments, other stuff,' Tejeda said. 'A lot of people truly love their pets but they just don't know about all of the resources out there.' So CACC put together a resource guide in hopes of giving the animals a second chance. Pet Resources_2025 (1)Download Their current euthanasia rate is around 11% and the reason why pets surrendered are more likely to get euthanized is because they lack protections versus strays. 'When a stray comes in they are required cage space by law,' Tejeda said. ' So five to seven days if they have no microchip and seven if they have a microchip.' The pandemic was a tough time for CACC and shelters across the world, but now staff is seeing an after effect — a dog and cat boom. 'One of the drugs used to sedate animals during COVID went to humans so way less spay and neuters were not happening,' Tejeda. 'It's felt like we've been playing catch up (to the pandemic) but now it's been compounded by what's happening now.' Data shows in the first quarter of the year (Jan-March), 1,410 pets were surrendered by their owners compared to 1,843 animals being took in as strays. Over 500 had to be euthanized as the shelter is 'in crisis mode' due to being at max capacity. Looking at the first quarter of 2024, CACC had far less pet drop offs — 383. CACC said the euthanasia rate should be higher when you look at the data, but they have so many wonderful rescue organizations who partner with them. But they still need a lot of help. 'We will face even a greater influx in the summer once the weather gets warm,' Tejeda said. 'In-takes have been steadily increasing. We usually see a lot of pit bulls, but now it's everything.' The shelter recently installed a microchip station for lost dogs and cats outside of CACC. It has made employees happy to be able to look outside and see the animal never having to come in. All adoption fees of animals at CACC 30 days or longer are waived. For 30 days or less, it's just $65 and the animals are up to date on shots. Interested residents can also try out the 'doggy day care' program, where you can spend an afternoon with a dog to get to know them. Visit here to adopt a pet or learn how to foster. Below are a select few available out of hundreds of cute dogs and cats. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
16 rabbits rescued, 1 dead after being dumped in Bridgeport park, officials say
The Brief Sixteen rabbits were rescued from a city park on April 1 after being abandoned; a 17th rabbit was recovered but died from injuries. Multiple local rescue groups, including Red Door Animal Shelter and The Moon Dog Farm, are working together to secure and rehome the surviving rabbits, many of whom were in poor condition. Chicago Animal Care and Control urged the public not to release domestic rabbits into the wild, warning they cannot survive on their own. CHICAGO - Sixteen rabbits were rescued after being abandoned in a city park on April 1, according to Chicago Animal Care and Control. A 17th rabbit was also recovered but later died from its injuries. What we know Chicago Animal Control said the timing initially led them to believe it could have been an April Fools' Day prank — "but sadly it was not." Animal control officers responded to reports of loose rabbits at McGuane (John) Park and found that all 17 had broken free from enclosures and scattered across the park. Many were in "very poor condition," according to officials. The 16 surviving rabbits were secured and transferred to several local rescue organizations in the days that followed April 1, including Red Door Animal Shelter, The Moon Dog Farm, Anti-Cruelty, Animal Care League in Oak Park and One Tail at a Time. Many of the rabbits are now being cared for and remain available for adoption. The Moon Dog Farm posted about the rescue on Facebook and is working to rehome and care for the rabbits. Many of them are still up for adoption. You can learn more here. What they're saying The full statement from Chicago Animal Care and Control can be read below: "Chicago Animal Care and Control is grateful to all the rescue partners who came together to ensure these abandoned domestic rabbits received the urgent care they needed. Our Animal Control Officers responded quickly and safely secured all 17 animals. We're proud to have played a role in this collaborative rescue effort. "This took place on April 1st, and while we hoped it was an April Fools' joke, it sadly was not. It's important to remember that it is never safe to dump domestic rabbits. These animals cannot survive on their own and are at serious risk of injury or death. "Sadly, one rabbit did not survive. The remaining 16 were transferred to rescue organizations in the days following April 1st. We thank our rescue partners for stepping up so quickly. If you're struggling to care for your pet rabbits, please reach out, we're here to help." Red Door and The Moon Dog Farm shared these posts on Facebook regarding the incident: "Many thanks to @themoondogfarm for organizing the placement of 17 rabbits dumped in a city park - many in very poor condition. When rescues work together, we can save mores lives," Red Door said on social media. "The last 24 hours have been a whirlwind. Yesterday, while en route to our friends at Anti-Cruelty to pull the 3 buns we committed to, we learned that 17 buns had been dumped in a park near Chinatown. Yes, 17. All in some type of something until they broke out and dispersed. Chicago Animal Care and Control officers did an amazing job of catching all. "Many amazing Chicago rescues collaborated to get all 16 pulled. (As sadly one passed due to injuries) "This entire rescue is what a village is and does. MDF is proud to be a part of this village. Working with our friends at Red Door, @Anti-Cruelty, @Animal Care League in Oak Park, and @ One Tail at a Time- in 24 hours all 16 got to rescue! "Please meet our 3. 2 females- Oboe + Clarinet and 1 male- Trombone. All are eating and getting much needed decompression. Thankfully, we were able to secure spay and neuter appointments on Tuesday too. "Welcome sweethearts, we are full up on buns and glad you're here. "Thank you to our friends at CACC and the officers who were able to secure all," The Moon Dog Farm said. What we don't know It is currently unknown who abandoned the rabbits. The investigation is ongoing. We'll bring more updates to this story as they become available.
CBS News
27-03-2025
- General
- CBS News
Rescue Together pet adoption event in Chicago aims to find forever homes for 100 dogs and cats
PAWS Chicago, Chicago Animal Care and Control, and five other animal shelters are teaming up this weekend for "Rescue Together," a marathon adoption event to help dozens of pets find permanent homes. The goal is to find forever homes for at least 100 pets in various Chicago shelters in one weekend. PAWS and the city's animal shelter are teaming up with Anderson Humane, Border Tails Rescue, Chicago English Bulldog Rescue, Forever Fortunate Felines, and St. Sophia's Forgotten Felines. PAWS Chicago CEO Susanna Wickham said they have teamed up with Chicago Animal Care and Control since last year to offer PAWS medical services to pets at the city shelter so that other rescue organizations that might not have their own veterinary resources to transfer more animals out of the city shelter. Wickham said that partnership helped save the lives of an additional 1,800 cats and dogs. Rescue Together will be held at three locations this weekend: PAWS Chicago's Lincoln Park Adoption Center at 1997 N. Clybourn Av., from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; Chicago Animal Care and Control at 2741 S. Michigan Av., from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; and at the NEWCITY Lincoln Park shopping center at 1457 N. Halsted St., from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday. "Being in a high-traffic location like the NEWCITY shopping district means that people who are going to the Mariano's grocery store that day might realize there's a big adoption event going on, and that sort of happenstance is a way that many animals find homes," Wickham said. If you're interested in adopting a pet from any of the rescue groups involved in Rescue Together, you can see their available animals at the links below:
