DeKalb County, IL — Tonight at 7 pm, DeKalb County residents will present a new ordinance prohibiting the practice of dragging or pulling bovines by their tails, a measure aimed at strengthening local animal welfare protections. The concerned citizens will attend the DeKalb County Board Meeting at 200 N. Main Street in Sycamore, Illinois in hopes the board will approve the humane measure.
The proposed ordinance aligns with the Illinois Humane Care for Animals Act and reflects ongoing legislative efforts in Springfield, including Illinois Senate Bill 45, which seeks to address similar concerns statewide.
Supporters of the ordinance emphasize that the measure is narrowly focused and will not impact normal farming or veterinary practices. Instead, it targets specific conduct commonly associated with entertainment or competitive events that can cause unnecessary harm to animals.
“This is a commonsense step to ensure humane treatment while respecting our agricultural community,” said Kathleen Stelford, founder and executive director of Oaken Acres Wildlife Center in Sycamore.
The ordinance also follows the example of other Illinois counties, such as Boone County, that have implemented local frameworks to support enforcement of animal welfare standards.
If adopted, the ordinance would authorize local enforcement agencies to issue citations and impose fines for violations, while allowing the County to regulate permitted events involving livestock.
The DeKalb County Board is expected to review the proposal at an upcoming meeting. Public comment is encouraged.
For more information, please contact:
Jodie Wiederkehr, Campaigns Director
SHowing Animals Respect & Kindness (SHARK)
773-726-0589
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