companion animal hoarder- proposed Illinois legislation

[cassiesmom]

I got this from Harmony House, the shelter from which I adopted Cassie. They don't get too involved in legal matters on a regular basis. Harmony House is opposed because they feel there should be an exemption for shelters. I think that's an appropriate reason to be opposed. I put this in the Dog House for anyone who wants to comment or, if you live in Illinois, if you want to research this further and follow up.

If you need to know who your state representative is, go here: http://www.elections.state.il.us/


Thank you,
Elyse


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HB 1166, introduced on 2/8/11 by Rep. Patrick J. Verschoore (from Rock Island), defines anyone with 7 companion animals as a "Companion Animal Hoarder," no matter how good their care UNLESS you have a special permit from your County.

The first violation is a ...Class B misdemeanor; the second and any subsequent offenses are Class 4 Felonies, with each day counting as a separate offense.

There is NO explicit exemption of IL licensed breeders, rescues, vets, kennels, stables, pet dealers, pet stores, research labs, etc.

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/97/H...00HB1166lv.pdf
PLEASE contact your state representative with regard to this bill, and forward this information to others who will also take action.

[Karen]

A limit of 7 seems far too low - so if you have 3 cats, 2 dogs and two hamsters you're considered a hoarder?

[Freedom]

Karen, hamsters are not considered companion animals, but you raise a good point -- what is their definition of that phrase?

Also, what is their definition of "anyone?" If it means a human being, then rescues, vets, stables would not be covered. Note that a rescue for this purpose would have to have a shelter, a "facility." A rescue which uses foster homes, each foster home would be limited.

[momcat]

Hi Elyse, I recommend that you, or someone, check the legal definition of "person". I do legal research for a living and have found that words or phrases we use and know to mean one thing takes on a completely different definition when it comes to an aspect of law. Depending on the definition in your state statutes, rescues, shelters, vets, etc may not be affected. PM me if you'd like some help with this.

[cassiesmom]

I think the existing text isn't clear enough. But I don't think the proposed changes go quite far enough to show the difference between a person (who might have a problem with animal hoarding) and a legitimate group working on behalf of pets, like a shelter/rescue program or a breeder. I hope they reject it not because it is a bad idea, but because it could be better.

[Twisterdog]

An AC officer told me today they are proposing similar legislation in Wyoming, but the limit will be 30 animals. Ok, that's probably valid ... if you have 30 animals, and you are not a 501c3 shelter, you probably ARE a hoarder.

But seven?? That's ridiculous. I have nine dogs right now, plus a foster in the house. I also have eight rescues in the boarding kennel. Am I a hoarder? Absolutely not.

[catland]

hmm - sounds to me like this is isn't about animal welfare but is just looking for another way to generate revenue for the state coffers.

Wonder how much those "special" permits cost?

[IRescue452]

We're only allow 4 dogs in the state and 3 dogs or cats in our city. Cats aren't regulated. Birds, fish, rodents, rabbits, ferrets, and reptiles are not included as companion animals. They're exotics and have seperate regulations.