Legislation
This page contains legislation that is important to dog owners and breeders in all states with an emphasis being on Illinois. As responsible dog owners we must be aware of laws, proposed Bills and legislation which could potentially affect our rights and our ability to own and enjoy dogs. Let your voice be heard and call your representative to voice your opposition to unfair bills.
HB1166-Hoarding – IFDCO Opposes - Note: The Sponsor has told us he will no call the Bill, however we are monitoring this closely!
- Number of companion animals used is an arbitrary number of 7 and does not take into consideration the care and well-being of the animals.
- Under current Illinois law, a companion animal is defined as any animal commonly kept as a pet. This includes fish, hamsters, dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, ferrets, and horses. Any combination of animals unfairly labels someone a hoarder.
- Under HB1166 a person owning 7 companion animals is either defined as a "licensed hoarder" or a "criminal hoarder".
- Already overburdened Animal Control will be busy issuing "hoarding licenses" and not have the time or resources to devote to true animal welfare issues.
HB1080 – Removes ban on classifying dogs as "vicious" based on breed. IFDCO OPPOSES, Rep Bradley (217) 782-1051
- Breed Specific Laws in other cities, counties and states have proven to be ineffective in reducing the number and severity of dog bite incidents. In many locations these laws have been repealed.
- HB1080 Does not address the underlying problem of irresponsible ownership.
- If passed, HB1080 would unfairly target responsible owners and their dogs.
- The bill is difficult to enforce as it requires that employees in Animal Control have expert knowledge of individual breeds. How will mixed breed dogs be classified?
- HB1080 will cause increased costs to the community as owners unable to comply with the law will abandon or relinquish their dogs to Animal Control. This will also increase the euthanasia rates at shelters throughout the state.
- Many Breed Specific laws have been overturned as they have been deemed unconstitutionally vague.
- If enacted, a dog whose only sin is to be born a certain breed will be automatically deemed vicious and may have to pay with its life.
- Disabled owners who utilize a breed that may be targeted as vicious or banned may have to give up the dog that prevents them from living a more normal, independent life.
HB1247 – Tethering- IFDCO OPPOSES –sponsor- Rep Zalewski phone (217) 782-5280
- Unfairly targets low income, elderly, those living in multiple housing, and people living in neighborhoods where fencing is not allowed.
- Enforcement of the 10:00pm - 6:00am fifteen minute rule is difficult to enforce. No Animal Control Agency works overnight hours.
- Protection of tethered animals is already covered under the current Humane Care for Animals Act.
- Unfairly targets a standard method of restraint without taking into consideration the tethered animal's health and well being.
- Utilizes neighbor against neighbor means to report potential violations.
- Would increase the number of animals relinquished to shelters and ultimately euthanized.
- Proper tethering allows an animal an increased area to move around.
Legislation
- HB1166-Hoarding – IFDCO Opposes - Note: The Sponsor has told us he will no call the Bill, however we are monitoring this closely!
- HB1080 – Removes ban on classifying dogs as "vicious" based on breed. IFDCO OPPOSES, Rep Bradley (217) 782-1051
- HB1247 – Tethering- IFDCO OPPOSES –sponsor- Rep Zalewski phone (217) 782-5280