Illinois Breeders Bill Limits Dog
Ownership, Unreasonably Restricts Breeders
[January
21, 2009]
Representative John Fritchey is sponsoring HB 198,
a bill that would regulate dog breeders by limiting
the number of dogs they can own and requiring licensing
for anyone who maintains three or more females (even
if they are not bred) "for the purpose of the
sale of their offspring." The bill would also
mandate unannounced inspections, fingerprinting,
and require breeders to pay an unspecified license
fee. It is important that ALL fanciers,
responsible dog owners, and breeders work together
to oppose this burdensome and ineffective legislation.
The bill consists of 45 pages of requirements and
regulations that are not based on proven animal husbandry
practices, nor will they improve the health and welfare
of dogs in Illinois. The American Kennel Club opposes
the concept of breeding permits, breeding bans, and
mandatory spay/neuter of purebred dogs. Instead,
we support reasonable and enforceable laws that protect
the welfare and health of purebred dogs and do not
restrict the rights of breeders and owners who take
their responsibilities seriously. Below is a summary
of the major provisions of this legislation.
Breeders would be prohibited from
owning more than 20 intact dogs over a year old,
regardless of whether the animals are being bred.
Breeders, defined as anyone who owns more than 3
breeding females and sells their offspring, would
be required to:
- Submit to an annual, unannounced home inspection – for
an unspecified fee.
- Undergo fingerprinting and criminal background
checks – for an unspecified fee.
- Build facilities to meet rigid engineering standards
which exceed those required by the USDA. This will
require most breeders to purchase expensive new
equipment and build new facilities.
- Breed only dogs between 18 months and 8 years
of age.
- Correct any deficiencies within 7 days or dispose
of all intact animals at an animal control facility,
a licensed Illinois shelter or have them euthanized
by a veterinarian.
- File detailed annual reports with the Illinois
Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
- Provide specified disclosures to puppy purchasers.
- Comply with any additional regulations drafted
by the department.
The requirements in HB 198 are completely unreasonable
for persons breeding dogs. Most of these requirements
have no bearing on the ability of a person to produce
healthy, well-cared-for pets. The way HB 198 is written,
a breeder would have to comply with these requirements
even if fewer than three females were bred in a year.
It would even affect a breeder/owner who did not
have a single litter!
The Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
is not equipped to hire and train inspectors who
are familiar with animal husbandry. Under current
law, animal control authorities have the power to
investigate suspected animal cruelty and we strongly
support enforcement of those laws. This would be
a better use of taxpayer funds and would more effectively
address animal welfare concerns.
The American Kennel Club opposes proposals like
HB 198 that do not improve the welfare of animals
and force breeders to pay excessive fees and submit
to intrusive background checks and inspections that
are not required of other businesses or hobbyists.
We promote responsible dog ownership, enforcement
of cruelty laws and reasonable nuisance regulations.
The American Kennel Club Government Relations department
will keep you updated as this legislation progresses.
What You Can Do:
- Contact your representative in the Illinois General
Assembly and ask him or her to oppose HB 198. To
find out who represents you in the Illinois State
Legislature select the address tab found
at this link.
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