A new law has been signed in Illinois that will require state animal shelters and animal control facilities to report certain information regarding the animals entering and leaving the facilities.
Public Act 100-0870, initiated by AKC’s Illinois federation, the Illinois Federation of Dog Clubs and Owners (IFDCO), is an important law that will, among other provisions, provide essential data on exactly where and why animals are coming into Illinois shelters and animal control facilities, and what happens to them once they are there. This includes determining how many animals are coming from outside the state and country.
Legislation that restricts animal owners and breeders is commonly proposed due to misplaced concerns about shelter population or animal health issues. This new law will provide a full and accurate picture of exactly why animals are entering shelters, where they are coming from, and their ultimate outcome. This will provide factual data and greater clarity about issues so that real problems can be addressed and the most appropriate policies to benefit animals can be put in place.
AKC commends IFDCO for their leadership and extensive work on this law, and thanks all those in Illinois who took the time to contact their legislators in support of this bill as it advanced in the General Assembly.
For more information on this new law, contact the Illinois Federation of Dog Clubs and Owners at schipnut58@yahoo.com or AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.