Animal Control settling into new Rock Falls home

Whiteside County Animal Control worker Kelly Cavazos spends time with a St. Bernard Thursday. The Whiteside County Animal Control department has moved into a new building in the Rock Falls industrial park. (Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@svnmail.com)

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ROCK FALLS – The kennel has new cages and more space, and it’s far away from the odor of Sterling’s wastewater treatment plant.

Whiteside County Animal Control has moved into its new digs in the Rock Falls industrial park. Over the next few weeks, staff will finish assembling cages and getting organized.

Buying and renovating the former Schwan building at 1701 Industrial Park Road cost about $148,000, said Beth Fiorini, Whiteside County health administrator. (The health department is in charge of animal control.)

At 4,200 square feet, it’s nearly twice the size of the 2,400-square-foot facility in Sterling. There’s a surveillance system, 20 dog runs, 20 cages for injured or sick dogs and 24 cat cages. The animals even have a heated floor.

The previous location, near the wastewater plant at 2350 W. Lynn Blvd., had only 37 cages and runs.

There is a larger office for the department’s five employees and the bathroom no longer doubles as a storage area. There’s also a procedure room where animals can be microchipped or euthanized. Previously, employees used whatever space was available, said Vanessa Scott, animal control warden.

Vital statistics

Whiteside County Animal Control now has extended hours, 9 a.m to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Its number is 815-625-3507.

Donations can be mailed to its new address, 1701 Industrial Park Road, Rock Falls, IL 61071.

Learn more about its fees and services at www.whiteside.org online.