Western Illinois Animal Rescue has been instrumental in assisting Officer Becca Livingston with Warren County Animal Control’s medical emergencies this year due to a record number of shootings of dogs. A total of 3 dogs have been found in Warren County with gunshot injuries but all three have recovered due to amputations and the removal of the shrapnel. Livingston says she is not sure why the shootings have increased but she would like to remind residents that you should call the Police right away so animal control can attempt to capture the dogs:
“Call the police department, call 309-734-8383. I will gladly come out and if they are still there, come out and take them off, which I do on a regular basis. Sometimes when I get there, the dog has ran off and I have to go hunt them down, and either I find them or I don’t. We will just keep calling until we catch them, or if someone catches them and put them in a garage and grant me access to that if they are not home, that is fine as well.”
Livingston says all dogs regardless of whether they are in the county or the city, must be on a leash:
“Dogs are not suppose to be running off properties, they are suppose to always have leashes on all the time, regardless if they have a good recall.”
Officer Livingston also says residents should not dump dogs in the county but rather reach out to animal control or WIAR to surrender the animals instead. Finally, the trap, neuter and release program for feral cats is currently available through Western Illinois Animal Rescue as well. For more information, reach out to Warren County Animal Control at 309-734-8383.
