Ottawa Vet Clinic closure threatens local animal control operations

A looming crisis in animal control was the focal point of the LaSalle County government meeting on June 5, 2025, as officials grappled with the impending closure of the Ottawa Vet Clinic, a key partner in managing stray animals. Chief Mike Cheatham of the Ottawa Police Department highlighted the urgent need for a solution, noting that the clinic has been instrumental in housing stray dogs and providing necessary veterinary care. With the clinic set to close by the end of June, local authorities are scrambling to find alternative arrangements for the care of these animals.

The closure poses a significant challenge not only for Ottawa but also for surrounding municipalities like Marseilles and Peru, which also rely on the clinic for animal control services. Chief Cheatham expressed concern over the lack of available facilities, stating, “We need to tackle this issue collectively to find a solution for the strays.” The meeting revealed that the clinic has been charging a nominal fee of $50 per animal, which many officials believe is unsustainable given the rising costs of animal care.

Discussions among county officials revealed a consensus on the necessity of forming a task force to address the animal control crisis. Suggestions included exploring partnerships with other local veterinary clinics and possibly establishing a dedicated animal shelter. However, concerns about staffing and funding were prevalent, with officials acknowledging that the current animal control team is already stretched thin.

As the clock ticks down to the clinic's closure, officials are under pressure to devise a plan that ensures the welfare of stray animals in the county. The urgency of the situation was palpable, with multiple voices calling for immediate action to prevent a public safety issue related to uncontained strays. The meeting concluded with a commitment to reconvene and further discuss potential solutions, emphasizing the need for collaboration among local governments to secure a sustainable future for animal control in LaSalle County.