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Vernon Hills amends animal code to allow local dangerous- and vicious-dog determinations
Summary
The board approved Ordinance 2025-079 to update Chapter 4 (animals), authorizing village police to determine 'dangerous' and 'vicious' dogs and to impose remedial measures (muzzling, signage, spay/neuter, microchipping, insurance or removal) while preserving appeal rights.
The Village Board on June 17 approved an amendment to Chapter 4 of the Vernon Hills code that clarifies local authority to investigate and determine dangerous or vicious dogs and expands remedial options for owners.
Chief Kreese (police) told the board the code update mirrors state law and restores investigative authorities the village had inadvertently removed in prior edits. He described a "dangerous dog" as one that may bite without breaking skin and a "vicious dog" as one that either seriously injures a person or animal or has multiple dangerous incidents. "This allows us a lot of options to make sure the dog owner takes steps to ensure that the manner is rectified," the chief said.
Remedial options listed in the amended code include requiring liability insurance, muzzling on public property, posting signage on the owner's property, spaying or neutering, microchipping and observation periods. In extreme cases the village can order removal of a dog from the municipality. The ordinance also preserves due process: dog owners may appeal determinations and have 21 days to seek relief in circuit court.
Board members discussed use of animal behavior specialists in close cases and stressed that the ordinance includes mitigating circumstances such as an intruder entering private property. The board voted to adopt Ordinance 2025-079 on a roll call vote.
The police department will implement investigatory procedures and notify dog owners of determinations and available appeals under the amended code.
