As large-scale breeders expand across the nation, Illinois lawmakers are putting puppy mill and pet store reform at the top of their 2009 agenda, according to reports from Associated Press and Emily Achenbaum at the Chicago Tribune. Tough new regulations will help eradicate many of these pet factories as outlined in this Bill: 
- Limit to 20 the number of unaltered dogs a breeder may possess
- Ban anyone convicted of felony-level animal cruelty from acquiring a dog-breeding license
- Prohibit wire flooring in commercial breeding facilities and create guidelines for appropriate heating, cooling and ventilation
- Require pet stores and breeders to provide customers with a dog’s full medical history
- Establish penalties for violations, ranging from fines to animal seizure and license revocation
Chloe’s Bill takes it name from a cocker spaniel pup rescued during a raid on an unlicensed Macon County mill. As the only survivor of her litter, she is emblematic of what citizens do not want–pets tortured in order to produce puppies for sale.
It’s not law yet. And funding must also be approved to make enforcement possible. There will be a fight against this bill expressed under many guises, such as some theoretical principle or another. If you’d like to help Illinois establish this law and you are not already signed up for alerts, or if you are from another State but want to be “in the know” about what’s happening in your area, go to the ASPCA’s advocacy page.
This legislation could be a great model for States across the nation to take as their own. Please make your representatives aware of your position.
Imagine, even pet stores would have to sit up and pay attention. Has anyone ever purchased a dog or cat from a pet shop that provided a full medical history?
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