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Police present animal‑control overhaul as board updates decades‑old ordinance
Summary
The board approved amendments to the animal control ordinance to add language on bites, dangerous/vicious dogs, dogs at large and enforcement procedures after police said the department handled 535 animal‑related calls and 22 dog bites between Jan. 2024 and Oct. 2025.
The Wauconda Village Board on Jan. 20 approved an update to Chapter 96 of the village code to modernize animal‑control provisions, including new language on dog bites, dangerous and vicious dogs, dogs at large and enforcement and documentation procedures.
Chief Hermas told the board the police department responded to 535 animal‑related calls and 22 dog bites from Jan. 1, 2024 through Oct. 2025, and said portions of the ordinance have not been updated since 1977. The proposed amendments add enforcement options and clarify procedures for investigating bites and classifying dangerous or vicious animals.
Trustees raised questions about noise provisions (the draft retains a 60‑second threshold for noise) and about enforcement workload if the ordinance is applied strictly. Chief Hermas said the changes align the village code with state statute and county codes and give officers authority to address behavior (bites/dangerous animals) that the old code lacked.
The board approved the amendment by roll call.
