Illinois: Stop Pet Stores from Selling Puppy Mill Dogs
- by: Alicia Graef
- recipient: Illinois Legislators
Animal advocates are stepping up big time in Illinois to do something about the inhumane treatment of dogs in puppy mills. First Chicago passed a ban on the retail sale of cats and dogs, which was followed by a ban that would cover all of Cook County.
Now lawmakers are considering legislation that would ban the sale of commercially bred dogs and cats throughout the entire state.
The bill, HB 4025, will require pet stores only to sell cats and dogs who are from shelters or animal control facilities. If it passes, Illinois would become the first state in the U.S. to enact a statewide ban on the retail sale of animals from commercial breeders.
Supporters hope that it will not only shut down outlets for selling mill dogs and save families from the heartache of getting a sick pet, but that it will also save thousands of animals from being killed in shelters every year.
Please sign and share the petition urging Illinois lawmakers to take a stand for both animals and consumers by supporting this historic piece of legislation
As a dog lover and someone who is concerned with animal welfare, I was thrilled to learn that Illinois is considering legislation that would ban the retail sale of commercially bred animals in pet stores.
The bill, HB 4025, will not only shut down outlets for selling mill dogs and save families from the heartache of getting a sick pet, but it will also save thousands of animals from being killed in shelters year.
Pet stores often falsely assure customers that their dogs have been sourced from breeders that are licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, but when it comes to inspections, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s Animal Care unit, which is responsible for enforcing the Animal Welfare Act, has been woefully ineffective in terms of dealing with problem breeders and repeat offenders.
Dogs are often kept in filthy conditions without even basic care, while mothers are forced to churn out litter after litter of puppies until their bodies are spent.
Meanwhile, consumers continue to take home sick dogs from pet stores and are left with either thousands in veterinary bills or a dead pet, while thousands of other adoptable animals continue to be needlessly euthanized.
Many believe if people knew where these dogs really came from, they wouldn't shop there. While some oppose these laws, the truth is that they aren't going to stop anyone from getting the pet of their dreams.
There are plenty of breed specific rescues and responsible breeders, who would never let their dogs go to pet stores in the first place.
I sincerely hope you will take a stand for both animals and consumers by supporting this historic piece of legislation that will make Illinois the first state to ban the sale of puppy mill dogs.
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