companion animal hoarder- proposed Illinois legislation

[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.

[Cataholic]

I am with Twisterdog. I have a dog, 9 cats, 6 ferals in the garage and sometimes a Foster dog. 7 animals is ridiculous. Stop legislating stupidity and enforce the laws in place. Animal cruelty and animal neglect and hoarding should be based on a situation, not a number pulled out of someone's arse.

[Alysser]

They finally get a decent idea for animal hoarders, but they do something stupid like proposing a 7 animal limit? I also think it's important to look at the condition of the house, animals health, human health in every situation. Not just the raw numbers of the household. What about foster pets? Or the people who rescue dogs frequently from bad situations? They are far from hoarders.

[Catherinedana]

Distressing that it's sort of an "all or nothing" situation here. Yes, there needs to be legislation to protect animals that are living in a hoarding environment. Does having 7 companion animals make you a hoarder? No. I have 10 birds. They all fit neatly into one room. I have no intention of getting another (unless the universe has other plans for me ). They are well-fed, clean and loved. I have seen hoarding situations and it is EXTREMELY OBVIOUS when you are confronted with it. *sigh*

Just a for instance: if that legislation was passed in FL, and I had to give up 3 of my (happy, healthy, well-tended) birds, what do I do with them? Give them to a shelter? Then what? They sit there unloved until they are put to sleep? They die from fright or despair (birds do, you know)? It doesn't make any sense.