This case involved two apparently conflicting ordinances that regulate feral cat colonies within Cook County. One of the ordinances was adopted by the County. The other ordinance was adopted by the Village of Bridgeview, a municipality located within Cook County.
The Village of Bridgeview is a home-rule municipality located within Cook County. On April 1, 2009, Bridgeview adopted Ordinance No. 09–04. This ordinance prohibits Bridgeview residents from operating feral cat colonies within Bridgeview’s corporate limits and imposes fines on those who fail to comply.
The County filed a lawsuit alleging that the Bridgeview ordinance infringed upon its statutory authority to control and prevent the spread of rabies and control feral cats within Cook County. The County sought a declaration that Bridgeview lacked the statutory and home rule authority to enact its ordinance. The County also sought an injunction prohibiting Bridgeview from enforcing its ordinance. The Appellate Court sided with the County.