March 25, 2019
After postponing a hearing last week, the Illinois House Agriculture & Conservation Committee is considering a bill tomorrow (Tuesday, March 26) that would delete consumer protection language passed in 2017 and replace it with language that would only allow pet stores to sell dogs from shelters, rescues, or breeders who have fewer than five intact females on their property.
This bill has gained significant momentum in the past week, with 11 new co-sponsors added since the hearing was postponed.
House Bill 3620 would delete the “Illinois Safe Pets Act” passed in 2017 that protects the health and welfare of dogs and enable consumers to know the health and background of the animal prior to sale. In addition, even though the bill allows animals to be “showcased” that are available for adoption, no background information or information on the shelter or rescue is required. Read AKC’s previous alert for more information and talking points.
What You Can Do: Illinois residents and those who purchase dogs in Illinois are strongly encouraged to contact the committee and express your concerns with House Bill 3620. Even if you have already contacted the committee, we recommend that you do so again.
- Submit an online witness slip – Comments may be submitted directly to the committee by completing an online witness slip at this link. Select the bill you wish to comment on from the list and follow the online steps. Comments are accepted through the end of the day on March 26; however, the AKC strongly recommends that they be submitted prior to the meeting, which begins at 2:30 pm.
- Contact the members of the committee. Due to the volume of emails received by the representatives, it is recommended that you also considering calling and/or faxing if possible.
Rep. Jerry Costello, II – Chairperson
(217) 782-1018
Fax: (618) 282-7286
staterepcostello@gmail.com
Rep. Sonya M. Harper – Vice-Chairperson
(773) 925-6580
Fax: (773) 925-6584
repsonyaharper@gmail.com
Rep. Charles Meier
(217) 782-6401
Fax: (217) 782-1141
repcmeier@gmail.com
Rep. Darren Bailey
(217) 782-2087
Rep. Monica Bristow
(217) 782-5996
RepMBristow@gmail.com
Rep. Kelly M. Burke
(217) 782-0515
Fax: (618) 465-5150
kburke@kellyburkerep36.org
Rep. Andrew S. Chesney
(217) 782-8186
Fax: (815) 232-0777
Chesney@ilhousegop.org
Rep. Randy E. Frese
(217) 782-8096
Fax: (217) 782-1275
repfrese@adams.net
Rep. Michael Halpin
(217) 782-5970
Fax: (309) 793-4764
RepHalpin@gmail.com
Rep. Jeff Keicher
(217) 782-0425
Fax: (217) 782-1275
Rep. Joyce Mason
(217) 782-8151
info@repjoycemason.com
Rep. Daniel Swanson
(217) 782-8032
Fax: (309) 334-8000
swanson@ilhousegop.org
Rep. Lance Yednock
(217) 782-0140
Fax: (815) 324-5040
StateRepYednock@gmail.com
For more information on this bill, contact the Illinois Federation of Dog Clubs and Owners at schipnut58@yahoo.com or AKC’s Government Relations Department at doglaw@akc.org.