Lake Bluff adopts revised animal control ordinance after public concerns

The Village of Lake Bluff Board of Trustees approved on second reading a rewritten animal control ordinance that repeals and re‑adopts Title 5, Chapter 9 of the Lake Bluff Municipal Code, the board confirmed Monday night.

The ordinance makes multiple changes to the village code, including updates to leash-law provisions, fees and penalties, general standards for animals, standards for disposal of dead animals, procedures for dangerous-animal determinations and appeals, and restrictions on pigeons. The board voted by roll call; Trustees Fisher, Freid, Hatch and Cole recorded aye votes and the motion carried.

Village staff reported they had reviewed animal control rules after an apparent increase in bite complaints and determined the existing regulations did not reflect best practices. Staff said the draft ordinance incorporated changes to address resident concerns raised at prior meetings and edits suggested by the Best Friends Animal Society.

Trustees noted that the item had been tabled at the Jan. 27 meeting to allow time to respond to public requests for protections for local trap‑neuter‑return programs. Trustee remarks at Monday’s meeting thanked the trustee who drafted changes and praised outside counsel for expertise on animal‑control matters. Chief Smaczynski and Village Administrator Erwin were also acknowledged for their input during the drafting process.

The ordinance remains in Title 5 of the municipal code, and staff noted a future text amendment could move certain zoning‑related provisions into the zoning title when that separate revision is completed. No amendments to the ordinance were recorded at the Feb. 24 meeting.

Residents who had raised concerns at earlier meetings were given an opportunity to review the revised language before adoption, village staff said. The board approved the ordinance on a roll call vote; the clerk recorded ayes and the motion carried.