City Council members in Chicago are urging Mayor Brandon Johnson to conduct a nationwide search for a new executive director of Animal Care and Control, following concerns raised by volunteers and alderpeople about the conditions at the city-run shelter.
Earlier this month, Johnson appointed Susan Cappello as the permanent executive director after she served in an acting capacity for several years. The agency had not had a permanent leader for over three years during which time pet surrenders increased and crowding became more severe.
Johnson highlighted positive outcomes under Cappello’s leadership, stating there was “a record number of adoptions in 2025 and the ‘highest number of animals transferred to rescue partners in over a decade.’”
Despite these achievements, volunteers spoke out during a City Council meeting, describing what they called unsanitary conditions at the shelter. Irene Jordan, a volunteer, said that animals often leave on “urgent status” due to illnesses contracted while inside. She also expressed concern about high euthanasia rates.
“Under the current administration, it has become extremely difficult, if not impossible, to implement positive changes. Volunteers are not heard. Concerns are dismissed and there is a lack of transparency,” Jordan said.
Rosa Glerstikas read statements from anonymous volunteers who feared retaliation. She described kennels with feces, urine, and blood present, as well as rough handling of animals by staff members lacking proper training.
“Dogs are dragged down hallways. Catch poles are used unnecessarily, and cats are scrubbed or prodded under the guise of testing sociability. Staff have little to no training in small animal exotics for wildlife, leaving rabbits, guinea pigs and other species without basic necessities,” Glersikas said.
A letter led by Alds. Gilbert Villegas (36th) and Ruth Cruz (30th), co-signed by 15 other aldermen, calls for a nationwide search for a qualified executive director. Villegas stated he met with volunteers who reported overcrowding and policies allowing staff significant discretion over euthanasia decisions. He noted that dogs sometimes go without walks for days.
“When you have people working for free, telling you conditions are bad, you have to take their word for it,” Villegas said.
The letter lists several concerns: high euthanasia rates among pets at the shelter; subpar living conditions; inability to meet public safety needs as dog bites have risen over three years; and police officers being asked to fill roles meant for shelter employees.
Animal activists have pushed for greater support since animal surrenders rose sharply after pandemic-era adoption surges ended. In July 2025 alone, Chicago Animal Care and Control took in 1,842 cats and dogs—about 59 animals per day—up from an average of 34 per day between 2013-2017.
More than 7,000 dogs entered the shelter in 2024—the highest since 2016—and data shows that deaths among dogs increased significantly compared to previous years: for every two dogs that died in 2019, five died in 2024.
The council’s letter requests that the search begin by April 1 and be completed by September 1.
Johnson did not commit to starting a nationwide search but said Cappello “has shown signs of strong commitment to the people of this city.” He added that he is taking feedback seriously.
