Court Case Dog Program

Our Court Case Dog Program

The Court Case Dog Program started in January 2010 through the efforts of Chicago Animal Care and Control, Best Friends Animal Society, D.A.W.G. Court Advocacy and Safe Humane Chicago. These organizations sought to establish a more compassionate and dog-friendly approach to a serious problem. Some of these Court Case Dogs were held at CACC for two years or more.  

Who are “Court Case Dogs”?

Court Case Dogs have been relinquished (voluntarily or by court order) by defendant owners charged with animal abuse or neglect of all kinds and housed at Chicago Animal Care and Control. 

What does the Court Case Dog Program do?

This program assesses each dog behaviorally and provides appropriate candidates with a protocol of socialization, training and enrichment. The ultimate goal is to find homes for these animals. 

Why is a program needed for Court Case Dogs?

Previously, dogs associated with court cases were routinely euthanized when relinquished or after a guilty outcome in their owners’ court cases. They should be assessed individually. The dogs in this program are not “damaged goods,” but victims of thoughtless or inhumane owners and a court system that then leaves them impounded in cages for needlessly long periods. These dogs deserve to be given the chance of life in a home. 

How can you help the Court Case Dogs?

The dogs in this program have proven themselves to be emotionally resilient and have earned the chance of life outside the walls of Chicago Animal Care and Control. We are looking for anyone interested in providing a second chance to dogs who have “done the time but not the crime.” 

If you can help by fostering a Court Case Dog, please contact getconnected@safehumanechicago.org