By: Ashmar Mandou

After the tragic death of a dog at the Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC) facility that was unexplained, Alderman Raymond Lopez announced that he will once again forge ahead to end euthanasia within the center, stating “its culture is inhumane to animals.”

“In the past, we have introduced resolutions calling for Chicago to become a ‘no-kill’ city,” said. Ald. Lopez. “It is my fervent belief that because CACC has the ability to euthanize for not only medical/behavioral reasons, but also for space, management and employees within the department are not as attentive as they should be to the humane needs of the creatures under their care.”

Last February, Ald. Lopez presented a resolution calling for a review of CACC policy and practices based on the notion that “the culture of acceptable, state-sanctioned euthanasia has fostered an environment that promotes the inhumane care, treatment and disregard for the animal charged the CACC is mandated to care for.” The alderman’s remarks come after an animal was found dead in its cage by a volunteer. Devyn, a female pitbull, was admitted to the CACC on July 10th. The volunteer had been working to arrange transfer for the animal when it was found dead earlier this month.

CACC Executive Director Susan Russell posted a message on social media that the shelter was “full to the brim.” According to Russell, the shelter had approximately 276 dogs and 160 cats in its custody. “While many acknowledge more resources are required to provide optimum humane treatment at CACC, I am not convinced the staff knows how to use the $5.7 million they have now,” concluded Ald. Lopez.