The DeWitt County Animal Control has been caring for a few livestock animals recently, sparking discussions on the care of animals in need versus what County statutes allow. 

At Last Week's DeWitt County Public Safety Committee meeting, John Werts asked Animal Control Administrator Grace Moore about some chickens, ducks, and other livestock that they have been caring for recently, adding that caring for livestock is strictly prohibited in County ordinances. 

When it came to the horses being fed, Moore says they had the Illinois Department of Agriculture Involved. She notes that horses are protected under the Human Care for Animals Act. Committee Chair Megan Myers brought up that it can be difficult to turn away animals that are in need, no matter the species. 

Full Board Chair Joe Witte told the Hart Media Group that the ordinance regarding scenarios can be somewhat unclear; however, he affirms that the facilities are simply not suitable for handling chickens and other livestock.  

Witte adds that Animal Control has the authority to turn away animals. While he understands that many may have differing opinions on the matter, serving livestock could be a very slippery slope that the County is not equipped for. 

Much of the livestock in question is no longer, or will no longer be, in the care of the County.