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1. I have a problem with a wild animal, who should I call?

During Business Hours

If there is an animal running at large, you should call Animal Control first (during normal business hours). Animal Control is handled by the Whiteside County Health Department in Rock Falls and can be reached by calling 815-625-3507.

After Hours

If it is after hours, then you may call the Police Department; Sterling Police Department Dispatch can be reached at 815-632-6640, Option 5.

Additional Resources

• Schultz’s Nuisance Wildlife Control
  Phone: 815-631-6877
• Twin Rivers Animal Damage Control
  Phone: 815-622-1853 or 309-659-2662

2. Can my cat or dog roam free outside?

No, cats as well as dogs are not allowed to run at large. The City Ordinance relating to animals at large reads:

(a) It is unlawful for the owner or keeper of any dog or cat to permit such dog or cat to run at large within the city limits. The owner or keeper of any dog or cat shall not permit such dog or cat to go beyond the premises of the owner or keeper unless such dog or cat is securely leashed or otherwise securely restrained and at all times under the control of its owner or keeper.

(b) A fine of $50 will be levied against the owner of the animal caught running at large. After the second offense within a one-year period, the fine will be assessed at $100. The fine for the third and any subsequent offenses within a one-year period will be $150.

3. Is there anything I can do about my neighbor’s noisy animal(s)?

According to Section 14-5 in the City’s Ordinances:

"It shall be unlawful to harbor or keep any animals which disturb the peace by loud noises at any time of the day or night."  You may contact the Sterling Police Department at 815-632-6640 option 5 to report a loud animal or barking dog

4. How many cats and dogs may I keep?

You may have 3 total animals. Section 14-9(c) of the City’s Ordinances states:

It is hereby declared a nuisance and unlawful for any person to keep or harbor four or more dogs or cats, or dogs and cats, upon or within their place of residence within the city, except for dogs or cats, or dogs and cats, under the age of ten weeks. Such nuisance shall be subject to summary abatement by any police officer or poundmaster.

5. Do I have to have a license for my pets?

Yes. Section 14-32 of the City’s Ordinances states:

Every owner of a dog, four months or more of age, not confined at all times to an enclosed area and thereby rendered incapable of scratching or biting any person, including the owner, shall cause the dog to be inoculated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian at such intervals as may be established pursuant to the Animal Control Act, 510 ILCS 5/1 et seq.

6. There are stray cats in my neighborhood. What can I do?

Sec. 14-14. - Feeding of cats.

(a)

Rules applicable to cats are as follows:

(1)

The feeding of cats outdoors shall take place primarily during daylight hours to minimize interactions between domestic and wild animals, which increase the risk of rabies exposure for cats. Any food provided outdoors after daylight hours shall be made available for no longer than 30 minutes, after which it shall be removed.

(2)

Feeding outdoors is only allowed when an appropriate amount of food for daily consumption of the cat being cared for is provided. Food must be appropriately placed in a sanitary container sufficient for the cat being fed. Automatic feeders that are properly maintained and secured may be used to dispense daily food rations and may be present during night hours, provided that any food so dispensed shall be removed after daylight hours.

(3)

Dumping excess quantities of food on the ground, placing excess quantities in bowls or other containers, and leaving open food packages is prohibited.

(4)

Outdoor feeding upon private property may take place only with the property owner's consent. Feeding on public property, road rights-of-way, parks, common land of a multifamily housing unit or any property without consent of the owner is prohibited.

(b)

Community cat management initiatives. The city recognizes the need for innovation in addressing the issues presented by feral, free-roaming and other community cats. To that end it recognizes that there are community care givers of cats, and acknowledges that properly managed community cats may be part of the solution to the continuing euthanasia of cats; and establishes the following requirements:

(1)

All managed community cat groups must be maintained on the private property of the caregiver, or, with permission, on the private property of another landowner (including city, state, and federal public property).

(2)

All cats that are part of community cat management programs (TNR) must be sterilized, vaccinated against the threat of rabies, and ear-tipped for easy identification. Upon meeting these requirements the community cat is exempt from licensing and from other provisions of this ordinance applying to owned animals, including the prohibition of stray and at-large animals.

(3)

A person providing care for community cats is required to provide certain necessities of care on a regular/ongoing basis, including, but not limited to, proper nutrition and medical care as needed.

a.

Food must be provided in the proper quantity for the number of cats being managed and is to be supplied no less than once per day. Food must be maintained in proper feeding containers.

b.

Water, if supplied, must be clean, potable and free from debris and algae.

c.

If shelter is provided, it shall be unobtrusive, safe, and of the proper size for the cat(s).