§ 4-1. Interpretation and construction.

(a)

In interpreting and applying this chapter, the requirements contained herein are declared to be the minimum requirements for the protection of public health, safety, and the general welfare of village residents. The provisions of this chapter shall be liberally construed so as to accomplish its stated purposes.

(b)

This chapter shall not be deemed to interfere with, or abrogate, annul, or otherwise affect in any manner whatsoever, any laws, ordinances, rules, or regulations; provided however, that where this chapter expands the scope of prohibitions or imposes stricter requirements upon the care, maintenance and control of animals than are stated in other laws, ordinances, rules, or regulations, the provisions of this chapter shall prevail.

(c)

The provisions of this chapter are declared to be severable. If any section, sentence, clause, or phrase of this chapter is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, unconstitutional, void, or unenforceable, then notwithstanding such decision, the validity of the remaining provisions of this chapter shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired, or invalidated.

(d)

The provisions of this chapter shall constitute, and shall be interpreted as, an exercise of the home rule authority of the village to the full extent permitted under article VII of the Constitution of the State (1970). The provisions of this chapter shall be deemed to control over the provisions of any ordinance of the County of Cook to the extent said ordinances are conflicting in whole or in part.

(Code 1993, § 4-1.1; Ord. No. 2011-O-32, 5-10-2011)