- A shelter director likely will be hired by the end of March.
- Three area communities, Peoria Heights, Bartonville and West Peoria have informally opted for the county's 'full service' model in their communities, at $2 per capita. Communities can also pay 90 cents for lesser services from the shelter.
- The county is writing additional ordinances for enforcement of shelter services.
- John Davidson of the Illinois Valley Kennel Club reported that 'mixed dogs' can now compete in some AKC events. Pamphlets on this program and on dog care will be placed at the shelter for the public.
Meanwhile, in other animal news, Doris Muller of Peoria Area Voices for Animals in an email reported that puppy mill puppies will be sold in at a Puppy Expo in Peoria this weekend.
This kind of event works against shelter adoption, as breeders seek to make money off dog breeding, often in unsanitary, factory-like conditions. The website shows a 573 area code for the breeders, which is in Missouri.
The animal rights group is planning a protest demonstration from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. All are welcome.
The Peoria shelter director, Lauren Malmberg, is said to be investigating. She is also a candidate for the shelter director position as the shelter comes under County rule. She attended the committee meeting but did not speak.
The puppy mill event is at Exposition Gardens, a quasi-public venue that has allowed other exploitive animal acts at the Heart of Illinois Fair.
-- Elaine Hopkins
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