Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits the ownership and operation of puppy mills.

Highlights:

• Defines "dog dealer" means any person who sells, offers to sell, exchange, or offers for adoption with or without charge or donation dogs in this State (Sec. 2).

• Defines "dog breeder" as a person who sells, offers to sell, exchanges, or offers for adoption with or without charge dogs that he has produced and raised. A person who owns, has possession of, or harbors 5 or less females capable of reproduction is not considered a dog breeder (Sec. 2).

• Requires a pet shop operator to keep a record of each dog or cat offered for sale. The record must be kept on file for a period of 2 years following the acquisition of each dog or cat, made available to the Department upon request, and submitted to the Department on May 1 and November 1 of each year. The record shall include the following (Sec. 3.8.b):

• Name, address, and phone number of the animal control facility or animal shelter each dog or cat was obtained from; and

• Documentation from the animal control facility or animal shelter each dog or cat was obtained from demonstrating compliance, including the circumstances that led to the animal control facility or animal shelter obtaining ownership of the dog or cat and any other information indicating the dog or cat was not obtained from a prohibited source.

• Prohibits an animal control facility or animal shelter that supplies dogs or cats to pet shops to be offered for sale to provide pet shops with documentation demonstrating compliance, including a description of the ownership history of each dog or cat supplied, if known, the circumstances that led to ownership of the dog or cat, and any other information indicating the dog or cat was not obtained from a prohibited source (Sec. 3.9.b).

• Specifies if there is an outbreak of distemper, parvovirus, or any other contagious and potentially life-threatening disease, the pet shop operator shall notify the Department immediately upon becoming aware of the disease (Sec. 3-15.e).

• Establishes within one year after the date of sale, a licensed veterinarian states in writing that the dog or cat possesses a congenital or hereditary condition that adversely affects the health of the dog or cat or requires either hospitalization or a non-elective surgical procedure or has died of a congenital or hereditary condition. The veterinarian's statement will include (Sec. 3-15-2):

• The customer's name and address;

• A statement that the veterinarian examined the dog or cat;

• The date or dates that the dog or cat was examined;

• The breed and age of the dog or cat, if known;

• A statement that the dog or cat has or had a disease, illness, or congenital or hereditary condition that is subject to remedy; and

• The findings of the examination or necropsy, including any lab results or copies of the results.

• Requires the following administrative fines to be imposed by the Department upon any person or entity who violates any provision of this Act or any rule adopted by the Department under this Act (Sec. 20.5):

• For the first violation, a fine of $1,000;

• For a second violation that occurs within 3 years after the first violation, a fine of $2,500; and

• For a third violation that occurs within 3 years after the first violation, mandatory probationary status and a fine of $2,500.

Full Bill Text