- Report: #1289074
Complaint Review: Elmwood-Grove Animal Hospital - River Grove Illinois
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Elmwood-Grove Animal Hospital
8035 Grand Ave River Grove, 60171 Illinois, USA
Phone:
708-456-6700
Web:
www.elmwoodvet.com
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Elmwood-Grove Animal Hospital Illegal Activity on Daily Basis... River Grove Illinois
In my opinion they are running some kind of local extortion or racket. They had my dog for less than an hour when he got out of our yard because the landscapers left the backyard gate open. The lady behind the counter was extremely rude as she told me I couldn't have my dog until I paid them a $64 stray fee. I told them I would not be paying their fee as that was ridiculous and my dog was there for less than an hour. She explained to me that it was their policy and that they were not going to be giving me my dog unless I did. I told her that I do not care what their businesses policy was as I didn't bring my dog there and I personally did not enter into any agreements for their service.
And that all that was going on right now was that they were simply holding my dog hostage for a ransom which I did not feel they were entitled too. They told me they could as they called the local Police Dept and informed them of their care for my dog. Had a dispatchers name logged and everything. But, oddly, I had called the River Grove Police Dept as well AFTER the time she had logged and the dispatcher (only 1 in RG) told me that there had been no reports or calls about a found dog. So, I called the Police again to have them come out to the site. They basically told me that I should pay because they bring dogs there daily. I paid and left. This is what I have since found out... It is against the law for them to hold my dog until I paid them money. They DID NOT have the right to refuse to give me my dog.
They can give you a bill, and if you choose not to pay they can pursue payment in other methods, but CAN NOT hold your animal without your permission. Spoke to PAWS Chicago Legal Advisor (Chicago-based Attorney focusing on Animal Law). In Cook County, all stray animals are supposed to be brought to Cook County animal shelters. Not privatized businesses that can decide whatever rate they want for their services (as was the case in this situation). But, apparently the $6 million plus dollars budgeted for this was misappropriated and there are very few shelters and even less staff in the Cook County area for towns to use. Doesn't change the fact that they are supposed to use COOK COUNTY SHELTERS!
Technically, they are not allowed to receive strays from the Police as they do not have an official contract with the city to do so. With the Police claiming to have brought a dog there almost daily, I have to wonder how many of these situations went down in a similar fashion where they illegally told the owners to pay before they could have their animal back??? Hundreds upon hundreds of illegal transactions? I am considering getting their information and filing a class action lawsuit against them. $64 for less than an hour!!! I can board my dog overnight for less. At a wonderful facility that has cameras, large indoor/outdoor playing areas, grooming, feeding, social time with humans and other dogs, etc. All they did was lock him in a cage in the back. And told me the fee was to cover the expenses they incurred in boarding him! Ridiculous!!!
