New animal cruelty ordinance approved at Decatur City Council meeting

DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — The city of Decatur has updated their animal cruelty ordinance.

The ordinance now includes additional guidance on the appropriate care and treatment of animals. The language was added about what constitutes proper shelter for outdoor pets.

It also bans the use of choke collars as a tethering device.

Macon County Animal Control and the City of Decatur are jointly enforcing the ordinance.

Also approved was the repair of the Garfield Street bridge over 22nd Street. Engineering firm WHKS & Co. will finalize the design for a $385,000 contract, which will be paid for with motor fuel taxes from the state.

City officials estimate the cost for construction on the bridge is $3.8 million, and the city can use 80% of federal transportation funds for the cost.

Construction will start after the Brush College Overpass project is finished, as the Garfield bridge currently serves as a detour. The project is anticipated to use phased construction to allow one lane to remain open in each direction.

The city council has also approved a water services agreement with the village of Forsyth to add another permanent connection point as a backup, as officials said there is only one water main servicing a part of the city north of I72 and east of Route 51. Both Decatur and Forsyth will help fund the interconnection.

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