Save Chicago's animals by funding the CACC

The Issue

I have always believed that compassion is not just an emotion but a responsibility. It is our duty to care for those who are weaker than us, and that includes the thousands of animals in Chicago. Unfortunately, our current system is failing them.

The Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC) is facing a dire crisis. With insufficient funding and resources, thousands of healthy animals are being euthanized simply due to a lack of space. The situation is heartbreaking and we cannot stand by while our furry friends suffer because the city's budget cannot accommodate their needs.

Mayor Johnson, if the city's budget can't support an increase in CACC funding, then it's time to think outside the box. We urgently need a professional fundraiser to solicit funds from private industries and generous community members who understand the gravity of this issue. Making CACC private may also be a viable option if it ensures the safety and health of these animals.

Consider the success stories of cities that have implemented similar strategies. For instance, Los Angeles and New York have raised significant public funds through dedicated fundraising efforts, dramatically reducing the number of euthanized animals and improving shelter conditions. We can and should be inspired by these models to ensure a brighter future for the animals under CACC care.

Animals bring joy, comfort, and love into our lives. We must reflect that compassion back and ensure that no animal suffers due to mismanagement and lack of resources.

Let's unite as a community to support the animals that rely on us. By coming together, we can make a real change and save countless innocent lives from being needlessly cut short.

Join me in urging Mayor Johnson and the city officials to rethink their approach to CACC's funding. Together, let's pave the way for a compassionate, proactive solution that truly saves Chicago's animals. Please sign this petition to make your voice heard and help us bring about change.

368

The Issue

I have always believed that compassion is not just an emotion but a responsibility. It is our duty to care for those who are weaker than us, and that includes the thousands of animals in Chicago. Unfortunately, our current system is failing them.

The Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC) is facing a dire crisis. With insufficient funding and resources, thousands of healthy animals are being euthanized simply due to a lack of space. The situation is heartbreaking and we cannot stand by while our furry friends suffer because the city's budget cannot accommodate their needs.

Mayor Johnson, if the city's budget can't support an increase in CACC funding, then it's time to think outside the box. We urgently need a professional fundraiser to solicit funds from private industries and generous community members who understand the gravity of this issue. Making CACC private may also be a viable option if it ensures the safety and health of these animals.

Consider the success stories of cities that have implemented similar strategies. For instance, Los Angeles and New York have raised significant public funds through dedicated fundraising efforts, dramatically reducing the number of euthanized animals and improving shelter conditions. We can and should be inspired by these models to ensure a brighter future for the animals under CACC care.

Animals bring joy, comfort, and love into our lives. We must reflect that compassion back and ensure that no animal suffers due to mismanagement and lack of resources.

Let's unite as a community to support the animals that rely on us. By coming together, we can make a real change and save countless innocent lives from being needlessly cut short.

Join me in urging Mayor Johnson and the city officials to rethink their approach to CACC's funding. Together, let's pave the way for a compassionate, proactive solution that truly saves Chicago's animals. Please sign this petition to make your voice heard and help us bring about change.

The Decision Makers

Chicago City Council
50 Members
1 Responded
Timmy Knudsen
Chicago City Council - Ward 43
From the Office of Alderperson Knudsen: Dear Neighbor, Thank you for reaching out regarding banning backyard and excessive dog breeding in Chicago. Alderman Knudsen looks forward to working with his colleagues in City Council to ensure this legislation moves forward and is thoughtfully considered. Strengthening animal welfare protections is an important issue, and our office is committed to being part of that conversation. In addition, Alderman Knudsen has been calling on Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC) to appear before the full City Council so alderpeople can better understand the challenges the agency is currently facing and identify ways the city can provide additional support. As always, our office is here if you need assistance with anything, and I have shared your message with Alderman Knudsen.
Ruth Cruz
Chicago City Council - Ward 30
Nicholas Sposato
Chicago City Council - Ward 38
Chicago City Police District Council
64 Members
1 Responded
Dion McGill
Chicago City Police District Council - District 7
Thank you for reaching out and for sharing the concerns raised by petition signers. I want to be clear that as a Police District Councilor, I do not have decision-making authority over Chicago Animal Care and Control’s budget, governance structure, or funding model. Those decisions ultimately rest with the Mayor’s Office and the City Council through the city’s budget process. That said, I absolutely share the concern for the welfare of animals in our city. I adopted my own cat, Eugene, after he quite literally showed up on my porch one day and decided to stay, and I’ve personally visited CACC in the past. I know how emotionally difficult overcrowding and resource constraints can be for staff, volunteers, and the animals themselves. I support thoughtful, transparent conversations about how the city can better fund and support critical public services like CACC, and I encourage petition signers to continue directing their advocacy toward the offices and bodies with direct authority over the city’s budget and departmental structure. Thank you for the opportunity to share this clarification, and I appreciate the care and compassion that motivated this petition.
Jamie Brown
Chicago City Police District Council - District 1
Leonardo Quintero
Chicago City Police District Council - District 12
Brandon Johnson
Chicago City Mayor

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Petition created on December 19, 2025