Although the Illinois session is expected to wind down over the next few weeks, two important bills that would undermine impact responsible dog ownership remain active in the state legislature.
AKC and the Illinois Federation of Dog Clubs are working to advocate and communicate our position to legislators, and we need your help! We urge AKC clubs, breeders, and dog owners in Illinois to take action TODAY to prevent passage of the following:
SB 153 – “Lawyers for Dogs”
Status: Pending on the House Floor
Late last week, the House Judiciary-Criminal Committee narrowly passed Senate Bill 153 by one vote, after initially defeating it. The bill, which would provide court- appointed advocates to animals in criminal cases, is now pending on the House floor. While the House sponsor agreed to hold it pending possible further amendments, it is essential that you reach out to your State Representative TODAY and ask them to oppose this animals rights bill. Read AKC’s previous alert for talking points.
Type your zip code in the “Find Your Officials” box on the AKC Legislative Action Center home page to find the name and contact information for your Illinois State Representative.
House Bill 1711 – Restrictions on Pet Choice and Breed Rescue
Status: Passed House on April 14, pending in the Senate Assignments Committee
This bill would limit pet stores to sourcing dogs and cats only from shelters and rescues that have no affiliation with breeders. House Bill 1711 would restrict pet choice and consumer protection, and also implies that breeders should not be involved in rescue efforts. A Senate companion bill failed in the Senate Agriculture Committee earlier this session. HB 1711 remains pending in the Senate Assignments Committee, but animal rights groups are pushing hard for an assignment and a hearing. Please contact the Senate Assignments Committee TODAY and ask them to not allow HB 1711 to advance. Read AKC’s previous alert for talking points.
If you are a constituent of a member of the Senate Assignments Committee, use the form provided to contact the members directly. Otherwise, contact the members using the following information:
Kimberly Lightford, Chair (Hillside)
Springfield Office: (217)782-8505
District Office: (708)632-4500
Bill Cunningham, Vice Chair (Chicago)
Springfield Office: (217)782-5145
District Office: (773)445-8128
cunningham@senatedem.illinois.gov
Jason Barickman (Bloomington)
Springfield Office: (217)782-6597
District Office: (309)661-2788
jason@jasonbarickman.org
John Curran (Lemont)
Springfield Office: (217)782-9407
District Office: (630)914-5733
senatorcurran@gmail.com
Antonio Muñoz (Chicago)
Springfield Office: (217)782-9415
District Office: (773)869-9050
Laura Murphy (Des Plaines)
Springfield Office: (217)782-3875
District Office: (847)718-1110
laura@senatorlauramurphy.com
AKC and the Illinois Federation of Dog Clubs and Owners continue to advocate on behalf of responsible dog owners and breeders and to closely monitor all legislation in Illinois. For questions or more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org or IFDCO at schipnut58@yahoo.com.