CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Concerns about strays, farm animals and coyotes dominated the Chicago City Council’s budget hearing on Animal Care and Control.
Aldermen generally had high praise for acting Animal Care and Control Director Mamadou Diahate. But Carlos Ramirez-Rosa said he’s concerned about the time it takes the department to respond to reports of strays.
Diahate said emergencies — police and firefighters who must relocate or remove pets — come first.
Meantime, some aldermen expressed concerns about the number of coyotes in the neighborhoods. Ald. Carrie Austin said one surprised her and her pet.
“It wanted to eat my dog,” she said.
Diahate said coyotes typically avoid humans and are easily frightened away.
“If you’ve got a small dog, you can lift it to make the dog look bigger. And make noise, clap your hands, blow a horn,” he suggested.
His answer did not seem to satisfy Austin.
In another matter, Ald. Raymond Lopez said there’s not enough money in the budget to deal with the rising number of farm animals some people are illegally keeping.
Diahate said the city doesn’t have to care for seized animals long. Rather, they hand off farm animals to other organizations better able to care for them.
Costs are often recouped from fines, or judgements against the former owners, he said.