Resources Recommended by Bond County Humane Society

Report Abuse or Neglect

You might think we would be hardened by now because of the neglect and abuse we have seen in the treatment of some animals. Every case, like little kittens in a plastic bag being hurled from the window of a car into a flooded creek, dogs and puppies being beaten, or left on a country road to die of starvation, exposure or dehydration, animals allowed to kill or be killed in vicious fights, still break our hearts and make us mad!
BUT, you can help make a difference.
If you know of an animal being abused or neglected or observe other suspicious activities, please write down license numbers, vehicle descriptions and report the information to the proper authorities. Contact the Bond County Sheriff at 618-664-2151 (if you live outside a city jurisdiction, but in rural Bond County), the Greenville Police at 664-2131 (if you live in the Greenville City limits) or your local police department (if you live in a city other than Greenville). Bond County Animal Control is reached by contacting the Bond County Sheriff. You can also contact the Illinois Department of Agriculture Animal Welfare Div. in Springfield at (217) 782-6657, and/or the ASPCA at (618) 345-8086.
You can also contact your city council and county board to report your observance of continued animal abuse and/or neglect. Request that the county’s governing body pass, clarify, and enforce animal control ordinances.

Animal Health and Welfare Laws & Regulations

The State of Illinois has passed legislation regarding animal welfare, treatment and care. These codified laws are amended regularly and enforced.

State of Illinois Codes

Within the City Limits of Greenville, Illinois, ordinances have been set regarding Pets, Pet & Livestock Care, Stray Animals, and Pet Sanitation. The Animal Control Officer for the city AND for Bond County may be reached through the Greenville Police Department at 618-664-2131.

The following is a decision by the Smithboro Village Board at their meeting March 1, 2010: “Pets running loose is an issue of concern for village residents. Dogs must be on a leash if they leave the owner’s yard. Mayor Kennedy said residents with loose dogs might receive a friendly visit from a representative of the village.”

What to Do if You Have Lost Your Dog/Cat in and around Bond County

Getting the word out early is the key to getting your dog or cat back safely and soundly. Don’t assume your pet will return on his own in a few hours. Don’t wait around to see if he’ll find his way home. As soon as you are aware that your pet is missing, GET THE WORD OUT. Remember, have good, clear photos on hand just in case, and ALWAYS make sure your dogs and cats are wearing a collar with identification tags. Microchipping is an excellent form of identification, but always make sure your pet has a visible collar and tags.

Contact Bond County Humane Society (618-664-4068) and check to see if anyone has reported finding an animal that matches your pet’s description.
Contact WGEL Radio (618-664-3300) so they can announce your missing animal on air.
Contact your local animal control and file a missing animal report. Greenville & Bond County: Officer Jim Hess (618-664-1644) or (618-664-2151). Bond County Animal Control on Facebook.
Contact Greenville Vet Clinic (618-664-0640) and file a lost animal report and determine if any found animal matches yours.
Make posters/fliers (PawPoost’s website can help with Posters!) and distribute them around town, to neighbors, on the internet and social media outlets such as the Facebook pages: Lost and Found Pets of Bond County and Bond County Animal Control.
Check the national facial recognition database at Petco Love Lost and submit your pet’s photo and information.
Canvas the neighborhood, calling for your pet by name and enlisting your neighbors’ help personally. Stop and speak with every person you encounter while you’re searching.
Call more distant veterinary clinics and emergency veterinary hospitals, animal shelters and animal control and dog control officers, local kennels, the highway department, dog training clubs, and grooming shops to get the word out.
Don’t give up!

Even the friendliest and most social pet may quickly become terrified and wild. Your own friendly pet, when lost, may hide from people, run away if he sees a person, he may even run away from you. Don’t chase after a lost pet — they are much faster than we are and you’ll only scare them more. Instead, sit on the ground; talk in normal tones, repeating his name and familiar phrases over and over again. A frightened animal will usually stick around, and after a few minutes or hours, come closer and closer. In rare cases, you may need to rent or purchase a Humane Live trap, and set it to capture a terrified lost pet. Local animal shelters often rent or loan these, and will have an appropriate size for a dog or a cat.

How to Help a Fearful Cat in a New Home

Help newly adopted cats, or an unsocialized foster kitten, adjust to their home with these tips for learning the body language of a fearful cat and ideas to acclimate your pet to their new environment.
This resource explains:

How to tell if a cat is fearful
Why a cat might be displaying fear
What to do to calm a fearful feline

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I Found Kittens Outside, What Do I Do?

Don’t be a “kit-napper”! Did you know that most kittens don’t actually need rescuing? Taking kittens from their mothers can have detrimental effects. Taking newborn kittens to your local shelter should only be a last resort! Many animal shelters, including Bond County Humane Society, can’t provide the kind of around-the-clock care that kittens need. Learn more about what to do if you find kittens outside...

Awesome Outdoor Cat House Ideas

No matter the time of the year, feral, free-roaming, and non-owned cats can struggle with finding a warm place to crash for the night—and unfortunately there are just too many of them for all of them to find safe, warm forever homes.
While spaying, neutering, and cat adoption are critical to solving the problem of feral cats long term, many cat lovers take the extra step of buying or building outdoor shelters for the free-roaming cats in their neighborhood—especially during wintertime.
Check out these outdoor shelter ideas for free-roaming cats, and get inspired to make a homeless cat’s life more comfortable and safe.

Outdoor Cat Shelters

6 tax breaks for pet owners and volunteers you can actually get

DID YOU KNOW? If you are working with a 501(c)(3) shelter, rescue or foster group, your unreimbursed expenses for the group are tax-deductible. If, however, you are rescuing cats and dogs on your own, without an affiliation with a 501(c)(3) organization, your expenses are NOT tax-deductible.
If you foster animals or drive errands/transports for a rescue/shelter, you might be able to take advantage of tax benefits for charitable contributions. So things like pet food, medicines, veterinary bills, crates, even driving miles COULD all be deductible. To stay on the safe side and be sure all your filings are legit, keep accurate and thorough records and receipts!

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The Amazing Benefits of Therapy Dogs

Therapy animals are a great way to improve the mental health of those who interact with them. One common type of therapy animal is a dog. People who need support sometimes have therapy dogs in their homes as pets. Other times, therapy dogs can be seen visiting places like hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. Therapy dogs undergo training to be gentle, friendly, and patient with anyone who might interact with them, including people who might give them hugs or children who might tug on their fur. Studies have proven that therapy dogs are effective in helping individuals cope with certain symptoms and that a long-term relationship with a therapy dog can help someone overcome anxiety and depression.

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Disaster Preparedness

Are you prepared to leave home in a hurry? Just in case of emergency... design a family plan, practice your plan and be sure to include pet supplies in your “go bag”!
Emergencies come in many forms, and they may require anything from a brief absence from your home to permanent evacuation. Each type of disaster requires different measures to keep your pets safe, so the best thing you can do for yourself and your pets is to be prepared.