Illinois Valley Times

At its Jan. 16 meeting, the city council of Oglesby had a visit from Chris Tomsha, one of the founding members of the Illinois Valley Animal Rescue organization (IVAR). 

Tomsha asked for assistance from the city and the police department when the police house stray dogs overnight.

Tomsha told council that last year the organization had 253 dogs come to the shelter, 123 of which were total strays, and 69 of those came from the local police department. Because it doesn't have anyone working it directly in Oglesby or the immediate area, Tomsha asked if the police department could create a small holding area in the department for stray dogs that they pick up, especially those in the middle of the night. That way, IVAR members could come the next morning to take the dog, and not in the middle of the night as has been the case.

Tomsha said it would just require a crate or kennel with a water dish to put a stray dog in overnight until she is able to find time to come over and get the dog the next day.

“And the kennels are inexpensive,” Tomsha said. “Probably a couple hundred bucks, get a slip lead and a bucket. I'll give you the bucket. But yeah, if you guys could (purchase the supplies), and I'll do anything I can to help you ... go out and buy it or do whatever. But we need to set something in place for those (late night calls).”

Council agreed that it could find a dog kennel and some basic supplies for this project to keep her from having to come out to the city in the middle of the night.

Commissioner Terry Eutis said he would reach out to the police department with her recommendations and create a policy and plan to address this issue. He would send over the details to her after they brought the official plan to council and got it approved. Council seemed agreeable to the request in light of IVAR's history with the city.

IVAR is a nonprofit organization based in LaSalle county Illinois that rescues, shelters, and rehomes abused or neglected animals in the area. The group has been in the area for more than 25 years.

In other business, council voted in favor of spending approximately $30,000 to replace fire department gear that was damaged during a recent chemical fire.

Thomas Argubright, the commissioner of Accounts and Finance, was absent from the meeting.

The council will meet again at 7 p.m. on Feb. 21 at City Hall on 110 East Walnut St.