An Illinois committee is scheduled to consider a bill on Tuesday, April 19, that would make several changes to the laws regarding those charged with cruelty and whose animals are seized.
AKC’s concerns with HB 4443 include the following:
- Requirement that peace officers arrest without a warrant or “issue a notice to appear in person” to any person who violates the state’s cruelty laws. The text is vague, so this provision may include those who are suspected of cruelty, but have not been found guilty of a violation.
- Allowance for cost for caring for the animals to be charged to the owner – even if they were not the ones who were charged with mistreating the animals.
- The granting of immunity from civil liability to those who are caring for the seized dogs for any allegations of negligence, “unless the act is the result of willful or wanton misconduct.”
The AKC has significant concerns with this bill that requires someone to be arrested without a warrant on suspicion of a violation, and offers owners little recourse if their dogs are seized and then harmed while in another person’s care.
Those who reside or participate in dog events in Illinois are encouraged to contact the House Executive Committee prior to the hearing on April 19 at 9:00 am to express concerns with House Bill 4443. Click on the link for committee contact information.
For more information, contact AKC Government Relations at doglaw@akc.org.
An Illinois committee is scheduled to consider a bill on Tuesday, April 19, that would make several changes to the laws regarding those charged with cruelty and whose animals are seized. Those who reside or participate in dog events in Illinois are encouraged to contact the House Executive Committee prior to the hearing on April 19 at 9:00 am to express concerns with House Bill 4443.