WHO IS SERVED?
Animal Control services are for the residents of East Chicago. During 2002 at least one out of seven residents of the city have used these services
WHAT IS THE SERVICE DESCRIPTION?
The Animal Control Department is responsible for controlling stray and unlicensed animals in the community. It is also responsible for assisting in the resolution of other problems relating to animals.
Such problems include the removal of dead or injured animals from the streets, humanely capture any animal which has intruded in a resident’s home, any animal which is in violation of any City Ordinance, and any animal who is being abused.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE ANIMALS THAT BITE A PERSON?
Any animal that is not licensed nor has received immunizations against rabies and which is reported to have bitten an individual will be impounded. The animal will then be quarantined at the Animal Shelter for a period of (10) ten days. If the animal’s rabies shots are up to date, the animal can be quarantined at the owner’s discretion. In the case of stray animals or any animal who’s owner did not keep up to date the rabies shots, the impoundment fee is ($5.00) five dollars. Any impounded animal can be claimed by their owner upon compliance with maintaining proof of rabies shots and impoundment fees. If the animal is not up to date on its rabies shots the owner can resume possession of the animal by obtaining a pre-paid rabies immunization receipt. ONLY then will the animal be released.
WHAT ARE THE PET OWNERS RESPONSIBILITIES?
No person shall keep or harbor any dog/cat of any age within city limits unless a license has been issued. All licenses shall be issued for one (1) year beginning with 1st day of January. The yearly license fee is ($2.00) two dollars for a female and ($1.00) dollar for a male or spayed female. Dogs and cats must wear identification tags or collars at all times when off the premises of the owners. The owners of every animal shall be responsible for the removal of any excreta deposited by his/her animal on public walks, recreation areas, or private property. Every female cat or dog in season shall be confined in a building or secure enclosure in such a manner that such female cat or dog cannot come into contact with another animal except for planned breeding.
WHAT HAPPENS TO ANIMALS RUNNING LOSE?
Any animal found running at large will be impounded. Proof of rabies immunizations and impoundment fees well be required in order to release any animal. Initial fee is ($5.00) five dollars for the first day plus ($2.00) two dollars for each additional day the dog/cat has been impounded. After (3) working days, if the animal impounded has not been claimed by its owner, it will become the property of the Animal Control Division.
Attention: Pit Bull Owners
According to ordinance No. 3453; section 5-41 Liability: Every owner of a Pit Bull, shall at all times maintain in full force and effect a liability insurance policy of ($1,000,000.00) one million dollars during the time he/she has the dog. The dog must, at all times, be confined indoors or in a securely and enclosed/locked pen with either a top or sides (6) six feet high. If the dog is not confined it should be muzzled and kept on a leash with the owner or custodian in attendance.
WHAT TYPES OF ANIMALS DOES THE ANIMAL CONTROL DIVISION PICK UP?
The types of animal that are picked up are:
DOGS, CATS, RACCOONS, OPOSSUMS, DEER, SQUIRRELS & on occasions LARGE BIRDS in connection with WNV.
CAN CAGES BE RENTED TO CAPTURE AN ANIMAL LINGERING IN THE PREMISES OF A RESIDENT’S HOME?
The Animal Shelter has cages that can be rented out to those residents who have an animal roaming in their home or around their premises. The rental fee is $25.00 dollars from which ($1.00) one dollar will be deducted per day until the cage is returned. The remaining balance, if any, will be returned to the renter upon the return of the cage. The animal wardens only capture animal that are out in the open!