Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is defending his recent appointment of Susan Cappello as the permanent executive director of Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC), a decision met with growing scrutiny from city council members and animal welfare advocates. Concerns center on reported conditions within the city’s primary animal shelter, prompting calls for greater transparency and accountability.
Cappello, who has served as acting director for the past three years, was formally recognized by the mayor during a press conference held at the Lower West Side facility on Wednesday. Johnson emphasized Cappello’s extensive tenure with the city, stating, “Thirty-six years of city government experience… to dismiss nearly 40 years of government experience – there’s no explanation for that.”
Growing Concerns Over Shelter Conditions
The appointment follows a City Council meeting the previous week where volunteers detailed what they described as deeply troubling conditions at CACC. Former volunteer Elena Burke shared observations of severe overcrowding, stating, “They’re in very small cages. Some of them, it’s hard to turn around. They’re sitting in their own feces, urine.” Volunteers also raised alarms about the potential spread of illness among animals and questioned current euthanasia practices.
While acknowledging the strain on resources, Cappello asserted that euthanasia rates have remained stable despite a significant increase in animal intake. “Between 2023 and 2025, nearly 5,000 additional cats and dogs entered our care. That pressure is real and constant,” she explained. “Despite that, our team achieved record outcomes – the highest number of adoptions in department history.” Mayor Johnson echoed this sentiment, highlighting record-breaking adoption numbers in 2025 and increased animal transfers to rescue organizations.
Calls for a National Search
Despite the administration’s defense, a group of 15 City Council members, led by Aldermen Gilbert Villegas (36th) and Ruth Cruz (30th), have formally requested a nationwide search for a qualified executive director. Villegas expressed the need for specialized experience, stating, “Although the executive director has worked in the city for a couple of decades, she hasn’t really operated in this space, and her background is not in animal care and control.”
Alderman Cruz voiced concerns about a potentially “toxic environment” and unsafe conditions for animals, citing reports from volunteers and former employees who fear retaliation for speaking out. These accounts paint a picture of subpar shelter conditions and broader management issues. What level of oversight is truly necessary to ensure the humane treatment of animals in Chicago’s care?
Budget Boost and Ongoing Debate
During Wednesday’s press conference, Mayor Johnson announced a nearly $700,000 increase – approximately 10% – to CACC’s 2026 budget. The additional funding is earmarked for increased staffing, operational improvements, and expanded shelter programming. Several alderpeople, including Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez, Lamont Robinson, and Nicholas Sposato, publicly voiced their support for Cappello’s appointment.
The mayor believes this funding increase, coupled with permanent leadership, will stabilize operations at the high-volume shelter. However, Villegas and Cruz remain committed to advocating for greater transparency and accountability. How can the city balance budgetary constraints with the need to provide adequate care for vulnerable animals?
The debate surrounding CACC’s leadership and conditions continues at City Hall, with the ultimate goal of improving the lives of the thousands of animals that rely on the shelter each year.
Understanding Chicago Animal Care and Control
Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC) is the city’s only open-admission animal shelter, responsible for the care and placement of lost, abandoned, and surrendered animals. The shelter operates under the Department of Public Health and faces significant challenges due to high intake rates and limited resources. CACC plays a vital role in enforcing animal welfare laws and providing essential services to the community, including animal control, vaccination clinics, and educational programs.
The shelter’s capacity is often stretched to its limits, particularly during peak seasons. This can lead to overcrowding, increased stress for animals, and a higher risk of disease transmission. Effective management, adequate funding, and a dedicated team of staff and volunteers are crucial to ensuring the well-being of the animals in CACC’s care. For more information on animal welfare best practices, visit the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
The role of an executive director is paramount in navigating these challenges. The ideal candidate should possess a strong understanding of animal welfare principles, shelter management practices, and the ability to advocate for the needs of the animals and the organization. They must also be adept at building relationships with stakeholders, including city officials, community organizations, and the public.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicago Animal Care and Control
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What is Chicago Animal Care and Control’s (CACC) role in the city?
CACC is Chicago’s only open-admission animal shelter, responsible for the care, placement, and control of animals within the city limits.
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What are the primary concerns regarding CACC’s current conditions?
Concerns include overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, potential spread of illness, and questions about euthanasia rates.
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Why are some aldermen calling for a nationwide search for a new executive director?
They believe a candidate with specific experience in animal care and control is needed to effectively address the challenges facing CACC.
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How much of a budget increase did CACC receive for 2026?
CACC received a nearly $700,000 budget increase, representing a roughly 10% boost.
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What is being done to improve conditions at Chicago Animal Care and Control?
The city has allocated additional funding for staffing and operations, and the mayor has expressed confidence in the current leadership’s ability to address the challenges.
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Where can I find more information about adopting or volunteering at CACC?
You can visit the City of Chicago’s website for information on Chicago Animal Care and Control.
Share this article to help raise awareness about the conditions at Chicago Animal Care and Control and join the conversation in the comments below. What steps do you think the city should take to ensure the well-being of animals in its care?
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