A New Leash on Life: Why Morris Is Shifting Its Animal Control Duties

Well, change is definitely in the air for Morris, particularly for our furry, four-legged residents – and the dedicated folks who look after them, you know, the police. Because, let’s be honest, our police officers, bless their hearts, already have enough on their plates. They're handling traffic, responding to emergencies, and dealing with... well, all sorts of situations that aren't exactly 'dog whisperer' territory, are they?

That's why the Morris City Council recently made a pretty significant move, approving an intergovernmental agreement with Grundy County Animal Control. Starting January 1, 2025, these professionals will take the reins on animal control services within our city limits. It’s a decision that, in truth, feels long overdue when you consider the escalating demands on our local police.

For years, it was the Morris Police Department carrying this particular burden. And to their credit, they did a commendable job. But let's be real, a police cruiser isn't exactly built for safely transporting a nervous stray, and officers aren't typically trained in animal behavior beyond, perhaps, basic safety protocols. Police Chief John Severson himself highlighted the issue, noting a steady increase in animal-related calls. It’s just not their core competency, and frankly, it pulls them away from more critical police work. Plus, there’s the whole officer safety aspect – dealing with an unpredictable animal without the right training or equipment can be risky.

Enter Grundy County Animal Control. These are the specialists, the folks who actually have the training, the appropriate equipment (think humane traps, microchip readers, and yes, even kennels), and a dedicated facility to house animals. You could say they speak 'woof' and 'meow' fluently. This partnership, which will cost the city $35,000 annually – a figure, by the way, that was successfully negotiated down from an initial $45,000 proposal – seems like a genuine win-win.

So, what exactly does this new agreement entail? Well, quite a lot, actually. Grundy County Animal Control will be responding to calls, impounding stray dogs and cats, investigating those unfortunate cases of animal neglect or cruelty, and even helping with nuisance complaints. When they pick up an animal, they'll hold it for a standard five business days, giving owners a fair chance to reclaim their beloved pet. If no one comes forward, the animals will then be transferred to local humane societies or rescue groups, ensuring they get a second chance at finding a loving home. They'll also handle animal bite cases, issue citations when necessary, and generally assist our police force with any animal-related issues that pop up.

Now, a quick clarification, because there's always a nuance, isn't there? This agreement primarily covers domestic animals. We're talking dogs and cats here. What it generally won't cover is wildlife – the skunks, raccoons, opossums, and other creatures of the wild that are just, you know, being wild. Unless, of course, one of those wild animals is injured or poses a direct threat to public safety. In those specific, more dangerous scenarios, our police department will still be on the scene, coordinating with other appropriate agencies.

The council's discussion wasn't without its moments, of course. Money, as ever, was a point of consideration. Alderman Aaron Gilman, for one, initially raised an eyebrow at the cost, and who can blame him for asking the tough questions? But after some clarification and discussion, particularly regarding the value of specialized services and the reduced workload for the police, the consensus was clear. Mayor Chris Brown underscored the importance of bringing in dedicated experts, and Chief Severson’s testimony really solidified the need. It's about providing a better, more humane service to our community and its animal companions, all while letting our police officers focus on what they do best.