County shelter reports uptick in dangerous‑dog cases; board discusses training, farmer’s‑market rules and shelter adoption drive

McHenry County animal‑control staff told the Board of Health July 21 they are seeing an increase in dangerous‑dog cases and repeat bites and are preparing a summer and fall service calendar to respond.

Director Howell (animal control) said the department has scheduled fall vaccine clinics (Tuesdays 1–4) and a series of dates in September and October; kennel coordinator recruitment is underway and staff reported difficulty finding veterinarians for weekend clinics. Howell reported a rise in dangerous‑dog reports and repeat bites and said the shelter plans an August "clear the shelter" adoption push to place animals by donation.

Board members discussed possible drivers of increased bites: better reporting by citizens and police, reduced in‑person socialization and the growth of virtual training options that may not translate to real‑world dog behavior. Several members suggested presentations from field staff (Janelle Carlson was identified as a candidate to present in the fall), and some urged review of ordinances and public‑event policies (for example, whether dogs should be allowed at crowded farmers markets).

Members also raised operational concerns at the shelter during ongoing construction — signage to show open doors, handicap parking and outreach to callers — and a planned integration of rabies tag entry software with existing systems, which staff said will require significant setup and may cost the equivalent of 1.4 FTE in the first year.

The board did not adopt new ordinances at the meeting but directed staff to explore training presentations, coordinate outreach, and bring back ordinance or policy recommendations if changes are needed.