By TIM WAGNER STAFF WRITER | BEACON NEWS

GENEVA -- Mary Lawrie's new chair was barely warm, when the new administrator for Kane County's Animal Control Department received a surprise visitor: an inspector from the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Animal Welfare.

The unannounced inspection came on Dec. 6, merely days after Lawrie was hired by the county.

"It's good to get on the job and get inspected," quipped Gerry Jones, chairman of the County Board Health Committee. "Keeps you on your toes."

Turns out Animal Control garnered rave reviews and received a "spotless report" from the state inspector.

"The inspector was noted to say that this was the best animal control facility she has inspected, and I asked her if I could quote her on that," Lawrie said.

The Department of Agriculture enforces regulations concerning animal welfare, and its inspections always come via surprise.

The state licenses and inspects several types of animal-related businesses, including pet shops, kennels and shelters. The Animal Welfare Act covers inspection and licensing of facilities that produce or offer animals for sale or adoption, and inspection ensures compliance with sanitation and animal health regulations.

twagner@scn1.com