Getting Tough on Puppy Mills

The state government of Illinois is getting tough on puppy mills. Making it one of their top priorities by joining with the ASPCA, Chicago, Illinois lawmakers and animal welfare advocates have announced Chloe's Bill, a legislation designed to eradicate the worst puppy mills in their state.

Cori Menkin, ASPCA Senior Director of Legislative Initiatives said, "Illinois has a unique opportunity to adopt one of the strongest commercial breeding laws in the country. As commercial breeding increases throughout the United States, particularly in the Midwest, it is reassuring that Illinois is recognizing the need for stronger laws before the prevalence of puppy mills becomes a blight on the state's reputation."

The goals of Chloe's Bill are:

1. Limiting breeders to a maximum of 20 unaltered dogs as breeding stock.

2. Banning anyone convicted of an animal cruelty felony from attaining a dog-breeding license.

3. Mandate that pet stores and breeders to give their customers a complete medical history for any dog purchased.

4. Ban wire flooring in any cages at commercial breeding facilities.

5. Set appropriate guidelines for ventilation, heating and cooling in commercial breeding facilities.

6. Set violation penalties which range from fines to animal seizure and revocation of breeding licenses.

Chloe's Bill is sponsored by State Rep. John Fritchley and State Senator Dan Kotowski. The bill was named in honor of a rescued cocker spaniel; the sole survivor of a Macon County, Il. puppy mill raid. Chloe now shares the heart and home with one of the animal control agents who were involved in her rescue.

A happy canine ambassador, Chloe was present at this past Sunday's press conference, where the pending bill was announced to the public. The puppy mill from which Chloe was rescued is like thousands of others throughout the United States.

These commercial facilities' main concern is making huge profits which are gained with little regard to the animals' physical or emotional condition. These breeding animals and their offspring often live in total squalor, infested with fleas, internal parasites, and are filthy, matted with urine and feces.

"We are not trying to do anything drastic; we're not trying to do anything radical. We're trying to implement standards for what is humane care, for what is decent care." Rep. Fritchey told the media. He mentioned that there may be opposition to the bill, but added that any breeder that did oppose this bill would be suspect as reputable, and consumers should be wary.

The ASPCA will be emailing their Illinois advocates shortly, with guidance on how they can join with them to facilitate the passage of Chloe's bill. If it passes, a potential domino effect will occur resulting in other states finding it easier to pass similar legislation.
How do puppy mills thrive?

Watch this compelling video to learn more about the inhumane commercial puppy mills.

If you are interested in joining in the fight to end puppy mills, check out the ASPCA website and sign up for further news about this bill and other important legislative news at http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=media_newsalert012309#1