HILLCREST — The village of Hillcrest took steps to protect its residents from vicious and dangerous animals Wednesday night by passing a new animal ordinance.

The new ordinance is 14 pages worth of definitions and new regulations pertaining to animals that could be deemed a risk to other pets or humans.

The ordinance sparked from a recent incident where two dogs fatally attacked another dog within the village limits.

Among the major changes to the village’s ordinance are the ability for the village to fine owners a maximum $2,000 for negligence and the option to decide whether to euthanize a pet deemed vicious.

The board also added a clause giving them permission to prevent an animal from returning within village limits for unprovoked bites.

The vote was unanimous with board members Richard Hicks, Trevor Unger and Jim McMullin absent.

President pro tem Jim Mecklenburg said he feels the new ordinance is a step in the right direction for Hillcrest.

“It’s necessary, unfortunately,” he said. “We have to do something to make people and pets feel safe in the community.”

The board also passed a series of changes to water, well and recycling ordinances.

All residents will be billed $1 to help pay for the village’s recycling program. Village Clerk Teresa Adams said residents have never been billed for the program before, but with budget cuts it was necessary for residents to help pay for the program.

The board also added a $25 non-refundable application fee for new customers and increased the water deposit amount from $60 to $100.

The village also will have the option of terminating service immediately to customers who issue non-sufficient funds checks.



For the complete article see the 07-18-2010 issue.

Click here to purchase an electronic version of the 07-18-2010 paper.