PARK FOREST, Ill.-(ENEWSPF)- Have you ever wondered about the Village of Park Forest ordinances? What do they include? How are they enforced? Where are the residents? Should I ask a question?
eNews Park Forest has a series of articles that address many of these questions, from parking regulations and home improvement requirements to animal regulations.
eNews Park Forest worked with village representatives to provide accurate and up-to-date information. If you have a specific ordinance you would like clarified, please submit your question to: [email protected]. eNews will answer them in future articles.
The series begins with ordinances related to animals, specifically dogs and cats. The number of dog and cat adoptions has increased significantly during the coronavirus pandemic. According to a report published by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), more than 23 million households in the United States adopted pets during this period.
This adoption rate is not surprising given that many people have been working from home during the pandemic and have had time to care for new additions.
Here are some frequently asked questions about the village's pet ordinance. eNews Park Forest consulted with Park He Forest Police Deputy Chief John Decaux to ensure accuracy.
How many pets per household?
According to current ordinances, Park Forest residents may not own or keep more than three dogs and cats in any residential unit.
What are the rules regarding dog protection?
The Park Forest Ordinance clearly states that residents may not allow dogs to roam freely within the village. Dogs must be restrained with a fence or a leash. Additionally, no dog shall be permitted on a leash to enter any adjoining property or within 5 feet of any street, parkway, or sidewalk. Owners who live in apartment complexes must secure their dogs with a chain or leash no longer than 6 feet in length.
Where in the village are dogs and cats prohibited?
Dogs and cats are not allowed in commercial areas, business areas, restaurants or food markets, including adjacent parking lots. It is okay to leave your dog or cat in your car in a parking lot where there is proper ventilation.
These restrictions do not include guide dogs or assistance dogs accompanying blind, deaf, or physically disabled individuals.
Do not allow your dog or cat to ride in the median of the road, even if leashed.
Are there any rules for picking up excrement?
When walking your pet, you should: Have a means of removing animal waste. This includes people walking their pets in public places such as public streets, sidewalks, and parks. you must Please remove and dispose of the excrement.
The same rules apply to excrement deposited on private property without the express approval of the property owner.
Again, this ordinance does not apply to guide dogs or assistance dogs accompanying blind, deaf, or physically disabled persons.
Do I need a license to keep dogs and cats in Park Forest?
Dogs and cats over 4 months of age require a permit issued by the village. These licenses require certification from a veterinarian that the animal has the appropriate rabies and other vaccinations. License fee must be paid by May 1stcent Every year. If not, you will be responsible for paying late fees. All dogs and cats must have a number tag on their collar. Yes, all dogs and cats must wear collars.
Are there rules about animals repeatedly disturbing the peace?
It is illegal for residents to repeatedly allow their dogs or cats to disturb the tranquility of people in the village.
Does the village have an animal control officer to administer the ordinance?
This village does not have a full-time animal control officer. Park Forest Community Services Officer Joel Ayora has duties that include enforcing dog and cat ordinances. Although police officers may respond to calls regarding animal issues, police officers in Ayola typically manage any necessary follow-up.
Who do I contact if I discover a violation?
If your loose dog poses an immediate threat to the public, please call 911.
For all other cases, please call the police emergency number at 708-748-4700.
- Free-ranging dogs pose no immediate danger;
- Reports of households with excessive numbers of pets;
- Pets disturb the peace
- Or if the excrement is repeated.
Mr. Decaux noted that residents often bring their loose dogs to police stations if it is safe to transport them.
If you have questions about animal ordinances or their enforcement, please call the non-emergency number and ask to speak to Ayola, a community services representative.
What does the Village do if there is a report of excess pets in a household?
A police officer or social services representative will visit your home and explain the ordinance. In most cases, responding officers do not remove the animal, Deputy Chief Dekow said. Instead, he will notify residents of the need to comply with the ordinance. Officers are telling people with excess pets that the village should follow up to ensure that this happens.
How should residents report suspected incidents of animal abuse?
If this occurs, call the police emergency number at 708-748-4700.
Are confiscated animals kept at the police station?
Police will try to identify the owners by posting photos on social media and checking to see if the dogs and cats have microchips that identify them. If that fails, police will take the animal to the South Suburban Humane Society in Mattson. The Humane Society charges the village a minimum of $130 per animal.
Deputy Commissioner Doucault said microchipping pets is the best insurance policy for getting lost pets back. South Suburban Human Society offers free chipping services. Pet owners may bring their dogs or cats to our office at 21800 Central Avenue in Matteson during regular business hours. No reservation required. Our office number is (708) 755-7387.
If the village seizes a dog or cat for violating the ordinance, what fines can the owner face?
The village will charge owners of impounded dogs and cats a $50 impoundment fee, plus a daily fee to protect the animal. The daily fee is $80 for dogs and cats with proof of rabies vaccination. Without proof, the daily fee is $100. Proof of vaccination is required before authorities can release a dog or cat to its owner.
Does the village provide residents with an area where their dogs can run and play?
The Village Recreation, Parks and Community Health Department provides residents with access to the Park Forest Bark District, a fenced dog park located at Winnebago Park (off Wildwood Drive, near 218th Street).th street). The dog can play in his one of two fenced areas, depending on his size. An electronic keycard is required to access the park and can be purchased at the village hall. The cost is $30 per year for residents and $40 for non-residents. Proof of vaccination is required before the village will issue a key card.
Two dogs per person are allowed in the park. Dogs must enter and exit the park on a leash, and all excrement must be picked up and removed. For more information, call the Parks and Recreation Office at Village Hall or call 708-748-2005.
