HB5772 - Pet Store Disclosure Bill - Illinois

Thanks Rich!  The bill was passed!  Here's the new law

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=096-1470

Puppy mills are a horrible thing and I can't believe people don't know that the dogs in the stores are from commercial breeding facilities.  Adopt don't shop!

Charlie - you must work in resuce....and if you do, you have all my respect in the world.  This bill was not intended to focus on shelters.  It states "To the best of their knowledge".  As we all know, it would be impossible for any shelter to know the background of many of the animals.  That is all that means.  If they don't know where the dog came from, that is all that have to say, and they do that now. 

This bill was intended for pet shops who lie to the consumers and say they get their dogs from "reputable breeders".   They no longer can lie to the customer.  They will have to disclose the breeder's name and history of medical care.  Of course it will not STOP puppy mills, but it sure is a good start.   When people see who the breeder is, they can go home and research them.  We have already seen many pet stores in Illinois closing due to the new law.  We hope to see an end to them all.  That will definitely help ease the burden in our shelters. 

The laws arent' enforced at the puppy mills because THEY ARE LEGAL.  If we don't have the pet stores to keep the puppy mills in business, who will they sell their dogs to? 

As usual it all boils down to our government who puts our companion animals in the hands of the USDA and they are in the same catagory as livestock.  Believe it or not, that's the law.  Our family pets are considered livestock in the eyes of our government.  It's a long tough road to change the laws for our voiceless pets, but we will do everything we can to make this dark and ugly industry known to the public.