The Illinois Senate State Government and Veterans Affairs Committee is scheduled to consider a bill on Thursday, March 17, that would allow officers or employees who had custody or control of a service, police, or search and rescue dog the option to keep the dog on its retirement from service.
The American Kennel Club supports Senate Bill 3129, which will help ensure the lifelong care of these animals that, along with their handlers, provide invaluable services to Illinois by allowing the law enforcement agencies to donate the animal to the officer or employee who had custody and control of it during its service. This allows the handler to continue to ensure the animal’s care and wellbeing, as well as allows for the continued companionship and trust that is built between a handler and dog while serving the community.
If the handler is unable to keep the dog, then the animal may be offered to another officer or employee or given to a non-profit or no-kill shelter to “facilitate an appropriate adoption of the dog.”
AKC thanks the Illinois Federation of Dog Clubs and Owners for bringing this bill forward. Illinois residents are encouraged to contact the committee and express support for Senate Bill 3129. View a full committee roster here.
For more information, contact AKC GR at (919) 816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org.
The Illinois Senate State Government and Veterans Affairs Committee is scheduled to consider a bill on Thursday, March 17, that would allow officers or employees who had custody or control of a service, police, or search and rescue dog the option to keep the dog on its retirement from service.
The American Kennel Club supports Senate Bill 3129, which will help ensure the lifelong care of these animals that, along with their handlers, provide invaluable services to Illinois by allowing the law enforcement agencies to donate the animal to the officer or employee who had custody and control of it during its service.