CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Animal welfare organizations are applauding the Illinois General Assembly for passing a series of bills that they said will save animals’ lives.
The bills, awaiting the Governor’s signature, would prohibit retail pet sales, address dog breed discrimination by insurance companies, make public housing more pet inclusive, and increase sterilization options for shelter animals.
“Illinois has made historic steps to save the lives of more pets across the state,” said Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society, in a statement. “From breaking down unfair barriers to housing for families with pets, to protecting animals from inhumane breeding, and encouraging innovative sterilization practices, Illinois is helping lead the country toward no-kill by 2025.”
One bill, HB 1711, sponsored by Sens. Linda Holmes and Christina Castro and Rep. Andrew Chesney, would prohibit Illinois pet stores from selling cats and dogs, but would allow stores to host adoption events with shelters and rescue groups. This legislation would make Illinois the 5th U.S. state to stop pet stores from selling dogs and cats, a key to ending inhumane breeding mills, which supply the majority of pets sold in retail stores.
A second bill, SB 154, would require housing providers who receive funds from the Affordable Housing Act Trust Fund as of January 1, 2022, to allow tenants in 500 square feet or larger units to have at least two cats or one dog that weighs less than 50 pounds. They would not be able to prohibit dogs because of their breed or weight. Currently, responsible pet owners in some Illinois state-financed housing are being told their pets are not welcome because of breed-based or weight-based restrictions.
According to Best Friends Animal Society, nationwide, housing is the number two reason pets are surrendered to shelters. In 2019, 11,393 pets were killed in shelters in Illinois.
Related
