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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ANIMAL AND RABIES CONTROL ADMINISTRATOR DR. MAMADOU DIAKHATE
WHEREAS, Dr. Mamadou Diakhate was proud of his Senegalese decent; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Diakhate, earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Inter-States School of Veterinary Medicine in Senegal; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Diakhate’s dedication to animal welfare spanned his decades-long career, beginning with almost two decades at the City of Chicago’s Animal Care and Control in 2004 where he rose to serve as executive director before taking on the Administrator role at the Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control; and
WHEREAS, while serving in the City of Chicago Dr. Diakhate created a disaster relief plan for pets in 2017 that was implemented in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic began; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Diakhate was the Administrator of Cook County Animal and Rabies Control beginning in 2003 until his untimely death earlier this year; and
WHEREAS, in his time as administrator, Dr. Diakhate oversaw implementation of the Housing Cook County’s Animals grant program with the opening of the new Evanston Animal Shelter, the expansion of the Partners in Prevention vaccine and microchip clinic program and the launch of Paw-Some Pets project; and
WHEREAS, under his leadership for the County’s Department of Animal and Rabies Control hosted a number of conferences for animal control professionals, law enforcement and public health partners; and
WHEREAS, his leadership and guidance professionally as he effectively steered the Department of Animal and Rabies Control will be missed, but what will be remembered most is his welcoming nature and kindness he showed to all who were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to interact with him; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Diakhate inspired many staff members and co-workers to get involved in several community outreach programs and events. Stressing the importance and public need for rabies vaccination clinics, animal research within the Cook County region and beyond; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Diakhate’s genuine compassion for animals will always inspire us to go the extra mile. Job well done; and
WHEREAS, the County is grateful for Dr. Diakhate’s dedication to his work, to the residents and pets of Cook County and to his employees and colleagues across the region.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control extends heartfelt condolences and mourns with the family and friends of Dr. Diakhate; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of Dr. Mamadou Diakhate as a signal of our honor and respect.
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