OPPOSE Illinois HB 5771 Dog Breeding-Puppy Mills

Introduced February 9 by Rep. Susana A. Mendoza (D) 1st District ; cosponsor added: Representative Eddie Washington (D-60)

SUMMARY: Amends the Animal Welfare Act. Provides for the licensure of dog breeders and the regulation of commercial dog breeders. Defines "dog breeder" as any person who owns, has possession of, or harbors 6 or more female dogs capable of reproduction for the purpose of the sale of their offspring. Defines "commercial dog breeder" as any dog breeder who (1) owns, has possession of, or harbors 10 or more female dogs capable of reproduction; (2) breeds or whelps dogs; and (3) sells or transfers any dog to a wholesale dog dealer or pet shop or otherwise sells or transfers more than 30 dogs per calendar year. Provides that commercial dog breeders shall meet certain specified requirements concerning the treatment of dogs.

Text and status of HB 5771

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* HB 5771 HAS BEEN SENT BACK TO RULES.
Information will be posted as it becomes available *

TALKING POINTS

* Exemption is given for a breeder who raises his or her dogs for the sole purpose of hunting. As this bill is currently written, the breeder might lost this exemption if any non-hunting activity was undertaken, such as bench shows, agility trials, obedience trials, sled racing, etc. He/she might also lose this exemption by selling even one dog that would not be used for hunting.

* Existing regulation states licensees must provide humane care and treatment. HB 5771’s requirement to provide annual veterinary exams serves no reasonable purpose. A routine exam can only detect obvious conditions such as being over/underweight; adding costly tests or lab work without specific reasons only serves to make breeding and raising dogs more expensive. The annual exam requirement is a stepping stone to mandating other breeding and care provisions.

* There is no scientific basis to prohibit a female from having more than 2 litters in an 18 month period.

* HB 5771 is yet another attempt by the Humane Society of the U.S. (HSUS) at control of nearly all dog breeders residing in Illinois.

* HB 5771 establishes an extremely low limit (10 females) as a commercial breeder classification. This is a completely arbitrary number that has absolutely nothing to do with quality of care and should not be used to add an additional layer of regulation.

* No evidence exists that any additional regulation is needed for dog breeders in the state of Illinois. The Animal Welfare Act and the Humane Care for Animals Act require licensing and inspection for many dog breeders in the state. Federal regulations require breeders selling at wholesale to be licensed and inspected. Violations of the law requiring action by the Illinois Department of Agriculture are few and were documented in a report to the Task Force. The majority of violations were minor; the majority of actual abuse cases were by unlicensed kennels. Despite the “sky is falling” cries from HSUS and ASPCA of an impending puppy mill epidemic, it is clear that existing law works. Lawbreakers were caught and dogs were rescued. Increasing the number of inspectors would ensure that unlicensed kennels do not continue to operate; increasing legislation would not.

For more information on how you can help contact The Illinois Federation of Dog Clubs and Owners