Updates
Joliet Ordinance Tabled
At the Joliet City Council's Land Use & Legislative Committee meeting on October 10, the proposed Companion Animal and Consumer Protection Ordinance was tabled again. It was clear that the ordinance did not have the support of two-thirds of the Committee, namely Councilmen "Duck" Dickinson and Terry Morris. Councilwoman Jan Quillman continues to be the strongest advocate for the ordinance and animal welfare in general. Listen to the audio online.
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Chicago Ordinance Upheld on Appeal
In 2015, two Chicago pet stores and a Missouri dog breeder sued the City of Chicago, claiming that the City's Companion Animal and Consumer Protection Ordinance was unconstitutional. The Circuit Court upheld the ordinance, but the pet stores and breeder appealed the ruling. On September 21, 2017, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals also upheld the ordinance, joining every other Court in the nation that has decided on this type of legislation.
The elected officials of Joliet and Crest Hill have cited this pending litigation as their reason for not moving forward with the Companion Animal and Consumer Protection Ordinance that Safe Pets for Joliet initially proposed in 2015. Now that the legislation has been upheld in the highest court in our jurisdiction, there can be no more delay. Safe Pets for Joliet has notified Joliet and Crest Hill officials of this important news, and we expect to see this legislation on their upcoming meeting agendas for a decision.
We will keep you updated as this legislation moves forward in Joliet and Crest Hill. Follow us on Facebook for the most recent updates and instructions for what you can do to help!
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Ordinance Tabled Again by Joliet City Council Legislative & Land Use Committee
The Companion Animal and Consumer Protection Ordinance was tabled again by the Joliet City Council's Legislative & Land Use Committee at its meeting on Wednesday, July 19, 2017. Although Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman argued for action on the ordinance, she was the only vote in favor of moving the ordinance to the full City Council. The City Manager and attorney stated they would prefer the Council wait until the appeal of Chicago's similar ordinance (which has been pending since May 2016) is resolved. Councilmen Terry Morris and Don "Duck" Dickinson voted to continue tabling the ordinance.
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ACTION ALERT: Ordinance Returning to Joliet City Council Legislative & Land Use Committee
The Companion Animal and Consumer Protection Ordinance will be once again presented to the Joliet City Council's Legislative & Land Use Committee at its meeting on Wednesday, July 19, 2017 at 4 p.m. The ordinance has been tabled for more than two years, but we expect the Committee to take action NOW!
Please email the committee members and the mayor to ask them to support this strong, effective legislation. Let them know that it's important to you that the City of Joliet protect pets, consumers, and taxpayers from the consequences of having local businesses support the inhumane commercial pet breeding industry.
- Terry Morris (Chairman): tmorris@jolietcity.org
- Jan Hallums Quillman: janquillman@att.net
- Don "Duck" Dickinson: ddickinson@jolietcity.org
- Mayor Bob O'Dekirk: ROdekirk@jolietcity.org
Copy and paste to email them at once: tmorris@jolietcity.org; janquillman@att.net; ddickinson@jolietcity.org; ROdekirk@jolietcity.org
Please also consider attending the meeting to show your support and, ideally, speak to the committee to let your voice be heard. And if you haven't already, sign and share the petition that will be presented to the Committee: http://goo.gl/SLsmCp
We started this fight more than two years ago. Let's end it with a victory!
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At the Joliet City Council's Land Use & Legislative Committee meeting on October 10, the proposed Companion Animal and Consumer Protection Ordinance was tabled again. It was clear that the ordinance did not have the support of two-thirds of the Committee, namely Councilmen "Duck" Dickinson and Terry Morris. Councilwoman Jan Quillman continues to be the strongest advocate for the ordinance and animal welfare in general. Listen to the audio online.
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Chicago Ordinance Upheld on Appeal
In 2015, two Chicago pet stores and a Missouri dog breeder sued the City of Chicago, claiming that the City's Companion Animal and Consumer Protection Ordinance was unconstitutional. The Circuit Court upheld the ordinance, but the pet stores and breeder appealed the ruling. On September 21, 2017, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals also upheld the ordinance, joining every other Court in the nation that has decided on this type of legislation.
The elected officials of Joliet and Crest Hill have cited this pending litigation as their reason for not moving forward with the Companion Animal and Consumer Protection Ordinance that Safe Pets for Joliet initially proposed in 2015. Now that the legislation has been upheld in the highest court in our jurisdiction, there can be no more delay. Safe Pets for Joliet has notified Joliet and Crest Hill officials of this important news, and we expect to see this legislation on their upcoming meeting agendas for a decision.
We will keep you updated as this legislation moves forward in Joliet and Crest Hill. Follow us on Facebook for the most recent updates and instructions for what you can do to help!
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Ordinance Tabled Again by Joliet City Council Legislative & Land Use Committee
The Companion Animal and Consumer Protection Ordinance was tabled again by the Joliet City Council's Legislative & Land Use Committee at its meeting on Wednesday, July 19, 2017. Although Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman argued for action on the ordinance, she was the only vote in favor of moving the ordinance to the full City Council. The City Manager and attorney stated they would prefer the Council wait until the appeal of Chicago's similar ordinance (which has been pending since May 2016) is resolved. Councilmen Terry Morris and Don "Duck" Dickinson voted to continue tabling the ordinance.
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ACTION ALERT: Ordinance Returning to Joliet City Council Legislative & Land Use Committee
The Companion Animal and Consumer Protection Ordinance will be once again presented to the Joliet City Council's Legislative & Land Use Committee at its meeting on Wednesday, July 19, 2017 at 4 p.m. The ordinance has been tabled for more than two years, but we expect the Committee to take action NOW!
Please email the committee members and the mayor to ask them to support this strong, effective legislation. Let them know that it's important to you that the City of Joliet protect pets, consumers, and taxpayers from the consequences of having local businesses support the inhumane commercial pet breeding industry.
- Terry Morris (Chairman): tmorris@jolietcity.org
- Jan Hallums Quillman: janquillman@att.net
- Don "Duck" Dickinson: ddickinson@jolietcity.org
- Mayor Bob O'Dekirk: ROdekirk@jolietcity.org
Copy and paste to email them at once: tmorris@jolietcity.org; janquillman@att.net; ddickinson@jolietcity.org; ROdekirk@jolietcity.org
Please also consider attending the meeting to show your support and, ideally, speak to the committee to let your voice be heard. And if you haven't already, sign and share the petition that will be presented to the Committee: http://goo.gl/SLsmCp
We started this fight more than two years ago. Let's end it with a victory!
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Paws On 66 Pet Rescue Day
The first-ever Paws on 66 Pet Rescue Day in downtown Joliet on June 4 was PAWESOME! Many thanks to our event partners, the Joliet City Center Partnership and Paws Crossed Rescue Resource, as well as our presenting sponsor, Hawk Subaru Joliet, plus the City of Joliet and Rialto Square Theatre for their support!
View and download event photos from our Google Album!
We were fortunate to have nearly 30 animal rescues, shelters, and welfare advocacy groups in attendance, as well as nearly 20 vendors and service providers, plus celebrity pets from the Joliet, Plainfield, and Forest Preserve District of Will County Police Departments and the Will County State's Attorney's Office.
Featured activities included a pet blessing by Deacon Kevin O'Donnell of St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Evergreen Park, a demonstration by the Plainfield Police Department K9 Officer, a VIP pet lookalike contest, and a pet costume contest. A very special addition to the event was the donation of ten pet oxygen masks from Invisible Fence Project Breathe to the Joliet Fire Department!
Our sincere thanks to everyone who attended and made this a great event - follow us on Facebook to see the "happy tails" of adoptions from the event!
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The first-ever Paws on 66 Pet Rescue Day in downtown Joliet on June 4 was PAWESOME! Many thanks to our event partners, the Joliet City Center Partnership and Paws Crossed Rescue Resource, as well as our presenting sponsor, Hawk Subaru Joliet, plus the City of Joliet and Rialto Square Theatre for their support!
View and download event photos from our Google Album!
We were fortunate to have nearly 30 animal rescues, shelters, and welfare advocacy groups in attendance, as well as nearly 20 vendors and service providers, plus celebrity pets from the Joliet, Plainfield, and Forest Preserve District of Will County Police Departments and the Will County State's Attorney's Office.
Featured activities included a pet blessing by Deacon Kevin O'Donnell of St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Evergreen Park, a demonstration by the Plainfield Police Department K9 Officer, a VIP pet lookalike contest, and a pet costume contest. A very special addition to the event was the donation of ten pet oxygen masks from Invisible Fence Project Breathe to the Joliet Fire Department!
Our sincere thanks to everyone who attended and made this a great event - follow us on Facebook to see the "happy tails" of adoptions from the event!
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SB1882 Gutted - Most Dangerous Provisions Removed
On April 27, Senator Hastings filed an amendment to Illinois SB1882 that removed its most dangerous provisions. Most importantly, its home rule denial was removed.
This means that, even if this legislation is passed, we can keep our local ordinances regarding the sourcing of pets by the stores in our communities. And more of our communities can pass these ordinances.
THANK YOU for fighting this legislation. Every one of your phone calls, emails, and witness slips made a difference. YOU made a difference.
Read the full update on our Change.org petition.
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Status of HB2824 and SB1882
On March 15, the Illinois Senate Licensed Activities and Pensions Committee held a hearing on SB1882, and the bill was passed for a second hearing. Senator Tom Rooney was the sold "no" vote to the legislation - thank you Senator Rooney! The bill has been placed on the calendar for a second reading on March 28. Representatives from large animal welfare groups are working with the bill sponsors to amend it, and we will keep you posted on those negotiations. After the hearing, Senator Jil Tracy revoked her sponsorship of the bill, but Senator Steven Landek signed on.
On March 15, the Illinois Senate Licensed Activities and Pensions Committee held a hearing on SB1882, and the bill was passed for a second hearing. Senator Tom Rooney was the sold "no" vote to the legislation - thank you Senator Rooney! The bill has been placed on the calendar for a second reading on March 28. Representatives from large animal welfare groups are working with the bill sponsors to amend it, and we will keep you posted on those negotiations. After the hearing, Senator Jil Tracy revoked her sponsorship of the bill, but Senator Steven Landek signed on.
Also on March 15, the House of Representatives' Business Licenses Subcommittee delayed its hearing on HB2824 to March 29. This bill was originally scheduled for hearing by its Business & Occupational Licenses Committee on March 8 but it was sent to the subcommittee instead. This week is the last chance for the House to get this legislation out of Committee, so please file a witness slip in opposition to the bill. Even if you have already filed a witness slip against HB2824, you need to file another one - they are cleared after every hearing.
Filing a witness slip is quick and easy, and can be done online. Click here to access the witness slip. Fill in your contact information in Section I. (In the Firm/Agency and Title fields in the form, you can put "Self" or "NA.") Don't use any punctuation or special characters. In Section III, select the "Opponent" option. In Section IV, if you only want to express your opposition, select the "Record Of Appearance Only" option, then check the box to agree to the terms, complete the CAPTCHA, click "Create Slip" and you're done!
And please continue to contact the bill sponsors and legislators on this Committees directly - make sure they know we're still watching.
Thank you for keeping up the fight for the future of Illinois' animal welfare!
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ACTION ALERT - File Witness Slips for HB2824 and SB1882
On Wednesday, March 15, the Illinois Senate Licensed Activities and Pensions Committee will hear SB1882, and the House Business Licenses Subcommittee will hear HB2824. (The House bill was scheduled for hearing by its Business & Occupational Licenses Committee on March 8 but it was sent to the subcommittee instead.)
YOUR ACTION IS NEEDED. Right now, everyone in Illinois opposing this legislation MUST file two witness slips - one with the Senate and one with the House of Representatives. Even if you already filed a witness slip against HB2824, you need to file another one - they are cleared after every hearing.
Filing a witness slip is quick and easy, and can be done online. Click the links below to access the witness slips. Fill in your contact information in Section I. (In the Firm/Agency and Title fields in the form, you can put "Self" or "NA.") Don't use any punctuation or special characters. In Section III, select the "Opponent" option. In Section IV, if you only want to express your opposition, select the "Record Of Appearance Only" option, then check the box to agree to the terms, complete the CAPTCHA, click "Create Slip" and you're done!
HB2824 Witness Slip
SB1882 Witness Slip
And if you can, please reach out to the Senators on this Committee directly.
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HB2824 Diverted to Subcommittee - SB1882 Loses Chief Co-sponsor
On Wednesday, March 8, the Illinois House of Representatives' Business & Occupational Licenses Committee was scheduled to hear HB2824. Instead, the hearing was cancelled and the bill was sent to the Business Licenses Subcommittee for a future hearing. While this doesn't mean the bill is dead, it is a BIG step backward for the legislation.
Why did this happen? Because YOU spoke up by signing the petition, filing witness slips, and contacting our legislators. But we CAN'T stop now.
Please reach out to the members of the Business Licenses Subcommittee and ask them to oppose HB2824:
And if you haven't already, please contact the bill's sponsors and ask them to revoke their sponsorship of HB2824:
As for SB1882, chief co-sponsor Emil Jones III has revoked his sponsorship of the bill. He's the third Senate sponsor to do so. Please contact the remaining three sponsors and ask them to revoke their sponsorship of SB1882:
As long as we remain diligent, we will win this fight for animal welfare in Illinois!
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ACTION ALERT - File a Witness Slip Opposing HB2824
On Wednesday, March 8, the Illinois House of Representatives' Business & Occupational Licenses Committee will be hearing HB2824, which is proposed legislation that would allow pet stores to source dogs from puppy and kitten mills and eliminate local governments' ability to stop them, like Chicago and other communities have done or plan to do. Read more about the legislation in the update below.
Right now, everyone in Illinois opposing this legislation MUST file a witness slip with the House of Representatives. During committee hearings is the only time public opinion is openly incorporated into the House's decision-making. At that time, public testimony on a particular piece of legislation is allowed. During the hearing on legislation, the committee chairman commonly reads the list of witnesses that have filed slips for or against the proposal.
Filing a witness slip is quick and easy, and can be done online. Simply click here to access the witness slip. Fill in your contact information in Section I - in the Firm/Agency and Title fields, you can put "Self" or "None." (Avoid using punctuation or special characters.) In Section III, select the "Opponent" option. In Section IV, if you only want to express your opposition, select the "Record Of Appearance Only" option, then check the box to accept the website's terms, complete the CAPTCHA, click "Create Slip" and you're done!
If you would like to submit written testimony, you will need to fax it to the Committee Clerk at (217) 557-2165. If you do not have access to a fax machine, please email your testimony as a pdf or Word document attachment to SafePetsForJoliet@gmail.com by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 7, and we will fax your testimony along with ours.
Please take this small step to make a BIG difference in the future of Illinois' animal welfare! And if you haven't already, be sure to sign the official petition opposing the legislation and contact the members of the Committee to express your opposition.
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ACTION ALERT - Illinois Senate and House Members Introduce Dangerous Legislation
On February 10, two identical bills were introduced to Illinois' Senate and House to amend the state's Animal Welfare Act – SB1882 and HB2824. At first glance, they appear to be beneficial to animals, requiring microchipping of dogs and cats sold by pet stores. However, buried within these bills is a dangerous provision to prohibit local governments from regulating where pet stores acquire their animals.
This action would eliminate the hard-fought and won laws in Chicago, Cook County, Warrenville, and Waukegan that prohibit the sale of commercially bred dogs in these communities’ pet stores. It would also prevent the passage of future companion animal and consumer protection ordinances that groups like Safe Pets for Joliet are fighting for in other Illinois communities.
The proposed bills would also require that pet stores disclose information from inspections "as posted on the Animal Care Information System online search tool maintained by the United States Department of Agriculture." This bill was introduced after the USDA removed said search tool, making it unenforceable.
The group lobbying for these bills is the Illinois Pet Lovers Association, "a collection of Illinois pet store owners, veterinarians, pet suppliers and customers." These proposed bills are not about protecting animals, but profiting from them.
HB2824 has already been assigned to the House Business & Occupational Licenses Committee, and a hearing date has been set for March 8. SB1882 has been assigned to the Licensed Activities and Pensions Committee. The time to act is NOW.
Please express your opposition to this legislation, which would provide weak and unenforceable regulations on pet stores while prohibiting local governments from enacting ordinances that effectively prevent pet stores from sourcing animals from puppy/kitten mills. Our local governments should have the authority to make decisions about businesses in the best interest of their residents, and no community in Illinois should continue to be victimized by pet stores and the commercial breeding industry.
This is a statewide issue. No matter where you live in Illinois, RAISE YOUR VOICE!
Sign the official petition opposing the legislation.
Contact the bills' sponsors and members of the Committees considering them.
See the status of SB1882.
See the status of HB2824.
Learn more about the dangers of these bills on The Puppy Mill Project website.
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On April 27, Senator Hastings filed an amendment to Illinois SB1882 that removed its most dangerous provisions. Most importantly, its home rule denial was removed.
This means that, even if this legislation is passed, we can keep our local ordinances regarding the sourcing of pets by the stores in our communities. And more of our communities can pass these ordinances.
THANK YOU for fighting this legislation. Every one of your phone calls, emails, and witness slips made a difference. YOU made a difference.
Read the full update on our Change.org petition.
********************
Status of HB2824 and SB1882
On March 15, the Illinois Senate Licensed Activities and Pensions Committee held a hearing on SB1882, and the bill was passed for a second hearing. Senator Tom Rooney was the sold "no" vote to the legislation - thank you Senator Rooney! The bill has been placed on the calendar for a second reading on March 28. Representatives from large animal welfare groups are working with the bill sponsors to amend it, and we will keep you posted on those negotiations. After the hearing, Senator Jil Tracy revoked her sponsorship of the bill, but Senator Steven Landek signed on.
On March 15, the Illinois Senate Licensed Activities and Pensions Committee held a hearing on SB1882, and the bill was passed for a second hearing. Senator Tom Rooney was the sold "no" vote to the legislation - thank you Senator Rooney! The bill has been placed on the calendar for a second reading on March 28. Representatives from large animal welfare groups are working with the bill sponsors to amend it, and we will keep you posted on those negotiations. After the hearing, Senator Jil Tracy revoked her sponsorship of the bill, but Senator Steven Landek signed on.
Also on March 15, the House of Representatives' Business Licenses Subcommittee delayed its hearing on HB2824 to March 29. This bill was originally scheduled for hearing by its Business & Occupational Licenses Committee on March 8 but it was sent to the subcommittee instead. This week is the last chance for the House to get this legislation out of Committee, so please file a witness slip in opposition to the bill. Even if you have already filed a witness slip against HB2824, you need to file another one - they are cleared after every hearing.
Filing a witness slip is quick and easy, and can be done online. Click here to access the witness slip. Fill in your contact information in Section I. (In the Firm/Agency and Title fields in the form, you can put "Self" or "NA.") Don't use any punctuation or special characters. In Section III, select the "Opponent" option. In Section IV, if you only want to express your opposition, select the "Record Of Appearance Only" option, then check the box to agree to the terms, complete the CAPTCHA, click "Create Slip" and you're done!
And please continue to contact the bill sponsors and legislators on this Committees directly - make sure they know we're still watching.
Thank you for keeping up the fight for the future of Illinois' animal welfare!
********************
ACTION ALERT - File Witness Slips for HB2824 and SB1882
On Wednesday, March 15, the Illinois Senate Licensed Activities and Pensions Committee will hear SB1882, and the House Business Licenses Subcommittee will hear HB2824. (The House bill was scheduled for hearing by its Business & Occupational Licenses Committee on March 8 but it was sent to the subcommittee instead.)
YOUR ACTION IS NEEDED. Right now, everyone in Illinois opposing this legislation MUST file two witness slips - one with the Senate and one with the House of Representatives. Even if you already filed a witness slip against HB2824, you need to file another one - they are cleared after every hearing.
Filing a witness slip is quick and easy, and can be done online. Click the links below to access the witness slips. Fill in your contact information in Section I. (In the Firm/Agency and Title fields in the form, you can put "Self" or "NA.") Don't use any punctuation or special characters. In Section III, select the "Opponent" option. In Section IV, if you only want to express your opposition, select the "Record Of Appearance Only" option, then check the box to agree to the terms, complete the CAPTCHA, click "Create Slip" and you're done!
HB2824 Witness Slip
SB1882 Witness Slip
And if you can, please reach out to the Senators on this Committee directly.
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HB2824 Diverted to Subcommittee - SB1882 Loses Chief Co-sponsor
On Wednesday, March 8, the Illinois House of Representatives' Business & Occupational Licenses Committee was scheduled to hear HB2824. Instead, the hearing was cancelled and the bill was sent to the Business Licenses Subcommittee for a future hearing. While this doesn't mean the bill is dead, it is a BIG step backward for the legislation.
Why did this happen? Because YOU spoke up by signing the petition, filing witness slips, and contacting our legislators. But we CAN'T stop now.
Please reach out to the members of the Business Licenses Subcommittee and ask them to oppose HB2824:
- Bob Rita, 28th District: (708) 396-2822 and RobertBobRita@aol.com
- Marcus C. Evans, Jr., 33rd District: (773) 783-8492 and Repevans33@gmail.com
- David B. Reis, 109th District: (618) 392-0108 and keith@davidreis.org
And if you haven't already, please contact the bill's sponsors and ask them to revoke their sponsorship of HB2824:
- Jerry Costello, II (representative who introduced the bill, 116th District): (618) 282-7284 and staterepcostello@gmail.com
- Lawrence M. Walsh Jr. (chief co-sponsor, 86th District): (815) 730-8600 and statereplarrywalshjr@gmail.com
- Norine Hammond (chief co-sponsor, 93rd District): (309) 836-2707 and rephammond@macomb.com
- Randy Frese (chief co-sponsor, 94th District): (217) 223-0833 and repfrese@adams.net
- Margo McDermed (chief co-sponsor, 37th District): (815) 277-2079 and McDermed@ilhousegop.org
- Terry Bryant (co-sponsor, 115th District): (618) 242-8115 and staterepterribryant@gmail.com
As for SB1882, chief co-sponsor Emil Jones III has revoked his sponsorship of the bill. He's the third Senate sponsor to do so. Please contact the remaining three sponsors and ask them to revoke their sponsorship of SB1882:
- Michael E. Hastings (senator who introduced the bill, 19th District): (815) 464-5431 and http://senatorhastings.com/contact-me
- Jil Tracy (co-sponsor, 47th District): (217) 223-0837
- William R. Haine (co-sponsor, 56th District): (618) 465-4764 and http://www.senatorhaine.com/contact-us
As long as we remain diligent, we will win this fight for animal welfare in Illinois!
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ACTION ALERT - File a Witness Slip Opposing HB2824
On Wednesday, March 8, the Illinois House of Representatives' Business & Occupational Licenses Committee will be hearing HB2824, which is proposed legislation that would allow pet stores to source dogs from puppy and kitten mills and eliminate local governments' ability to stop them, like Chicago and other communities have done or plan to do. Read more about the legislation in the update below.
Right now, everyone in Illinois opposing this legislation MUST file a witness slip with the House of Representatives. During committee hearings is the only time public opinion is openly incorporated into the House's decision-making. At that time, public testimony on a particular piece of legislation is allowed. During the hearing on legislation, the committee chairman commonly reads the list of witnesses that have filed slips for or against the proposal.
Filing a witness slip is quick and easy, and can be done online. Simply click here to access the witness slip. Fill in your contact information in Section I - in the Firm/Agency and Title fields, you can put "Self" or "None." (Avoid using punctuation or special characters.) In Section III, select the "Opponent" option. In Section IV, if you only want to express your opposition, select the "Record Of Appearance Only" option, then check the box to accept the website's terms, complete the CAPTCHA, click "Create Slip" and you're done!
If you would like to submit written testimony, you will need to fax it to the Committee Clerk at (217) 557-2165. If you do not have access to a fax machine, please email your testimony as a pdf or Word document attachment to SafePetsForJoliet@gmail.com by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 7, and we will fax your testimony along with ours.
Please take this small step to make a BIG difference in the future of Illinois' animal welfare! And if you haven't already, be sure to sign the official petition opposing the legislation and contact the members of the Committee to express your opposition.
********************
ACTION ALERT - Illinois Senate and House Members Introduce Dangerous Legislation
On February 10, two identical bills were introduced to Illinois' Senate and House to amend the state's Animal Welfare Act – SB1882 and HB2824. At first glance, they appear to be beneficial to animals, requiring microchipping of dogs and cats sold by pet stores. However, buried within these bills is a dangerous provision to prohibit local governments from regulating where pet stores acquire their animals.
This action would eliminate the hard-fought and won laws in Chicago, Cook County, Warrenville, and Waukegan that prohibit the sale of commercially bred dogs in these communities’ pet stores. It would also prevent the passage of future companion animal and consumer protection ordinances that groups like Safe Pets for Joliet are fighting for in other Illinois communities.
The proposed bills would also require that pet stores disclose information from inspections "as posted on the Animal Care Information System online search tool maintained by the United States Department of Agriculture." This bill was introduced after the USDA removed said search tool, making it unenforceable.
The group lobbying for these bills is the Illinois Pet Lovers Association, "a collection of Illinois pet store owners, veterinarians, pet suppliers and customers." These proposed bills are not about protecting animals, but profiting from them.
HB2824 has already been assigned to the House Business & Occupational Licenses Committee, and a hearing date has been set for March 8. SB1882 has been assigned to the Licensed Activities and Pensions Committee. The time to act is NOW.
Please express your opposition to this legislation, which would provide weak and unenforceable regulations on pet stores while prohibiting local governments from enacting ordinances that effectively prevent pet stores from sourcing animals from puppy/kitten mills. Our local governments should have the authority to make decisions about businesses in the best interest of their residents, and no community in Illinois should continue to be victimized by pet stores and the commercial breeding industry.
This is a statewide issue. No matter where you live in Illinois, RAISE YOUR VOICE!
Sign the official petition opposing the legislation.
Contact the bills' sponsors and members of the Committees considering them.
See the status of SB1882.
See the status of HB2824.
Learn more about the dangers of these bills on The Puppy Mill Project website.
********************
Gracie's Story
Gracie, a nine-week-old “Maltichon,” was purchased at Furry Babies Joliet on December 4 by a family from Romeoville to be an emotional support dog for their child who was recently diagnosed with epilepsy. Four days later, Gracie suddenly died, the very same day she was due to receive her first veterinary check-up. In accordance with the Furry Babies contract, Gracies's necropsy was performed by the store's vet, which indicated no clear cause of death. This was likely due to Furry Babies’ direction to perform an incomplete necropsy. Gracie was anorexic, and when the family bought her, they were instructed by the store to give her Nutri-Stat if she didn't eat. The family followed all of the store's instructions, but Gracie still passed away. And now, Furry Babies is still pursuing the family for the $3,208.09 they financed to buy Gracie - they are now paying every month for a dog they are mourning. Gracie's owner was also threatened by Furry Babies that they would sue her for "contacting the social media," claiming that the owner starved the dog to death (which an independent veterinarian has dismissed). In addition to a lawsuit, Furry Babies threatened to take to social media itself to crucify this family with their unfounded accusations.
As you know, our goal is to pass a Companion Animal and Consumer Protection Ordinance for the City of Joliet. In this situation, the ordinance would have protected both the animal who suffered and the family that has been victimized both emotionally and financially by Furry Babies. Since our Council has not yet felt that this ordinance is necessary, we will be assisting this family in every way we can. We want justice for Gracie and the family - especially the child who needed emotional support but instead experienced tragedy.
Stay up to date on this developing story on our Facebook Page.
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Gracie, a nine-week-old “Maltichon,” was purchased at Furry Babies Joliet on December 4 by a family from Romeoville to be an emotional support dog for their child who was recently diagnosed with epilepsy. Four days later, Gracie suddenly died, the very same day she was due to receive her first veterinary check-up. In accordance with the Furry Babies contract, Gracies's necropsy was performed by the store's vet, which indicated no clear cause of death. This was likely due to Furry Babies’ direction to perform an incomplete necropsy. Gracie was anorexic, and when the family bought her, they were instructed by the store to give her Nutri-Stat if she didn't eat. The family followed all of the store's instructions, but Gracie still passed away. And now, Furry Babies is still pursuing the family for the $3,208.09 they financed to buy Gracie - they are now paying every month for a dog they are mourning. Gracie's owner was also threatened by Furry Babies that they would sue her for "contacting the social media," claiming that the owner starved the dog to death (which an independent veterinarian has dismissed). In addition to a lawsuit, Furry Babies threatened to take to social media itself to crucify this family with their unfounded accusations.
As you know, our goal is to pass a Companion Animal and Consumer Protection Ordinance for the City of Joliet. In this situation, the ordinance would have protected both the animal who suffered and the family that has been victimized both emotionally and financially by Furry Babies. Since our Council has not yet felt that this ordinance is necessary, we will be assisting this family in every way we can. We want justice for Gracie and the family - especially the child who needed emotional support but instead experienced tragedy.
Stay up to date on this developing story on our Facebook Page.
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Light Up the Holidays Parade
On November 25, 2016, Safe Pets for Joliet participated in the Joliet City Center's Light Up the Holidays Parade. Volunteers from Hopeful Tail Animal Rescue brought adoptable dogs to lead the way in the parade. Walkers held signs and distributed more than 400 flyers and giveaways promoting the adoption of dogs and sharing Safe Pets For Joliet's mission. Watch video of the parade on YouTube - Safe Pets For Joliet is introduced around 31 minutes into the video. View photos from the parade on Facebook.
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On November 25, 2016, Safe Pets for Joliet participated in the Joliet City Center's Light Up the Holidays Parade. Volunteers from Hopeful Tail Animal Rescue brought adoptable dogs to lead the way in the parade. Walkers held signs and distributed more than 400 flyers and giveaways promoting the adoption of dogs and sharing Safe Pets For Joliet's mission. Watch video of the parade on YouTube - Safe Pets For Joliet is introduced around 31 minutes into the video. View photos from the parade on Facebook.
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"Puppies Are Not Presents" Protest
On "Black Friday" 2016, Safe Pets for Joliet hosted our second annual "Puppies Are Not Presents" peaceful protest of the Furry Babies store at the Westfield Joliet Mall. Pets that are purchased at places like Furry Babies and given as gifts are highly likely to be abandoned after the holidays, yet this is a huge market for pet stores. A great group of volunteers braved the chill to educate mall visitors about the connection between pet stores and inhumane commercial breeders. Santa even showed up with his "naughty list." View photos from the protest on Facebook.
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Land Use & Legislative Committee Rejects Disclosure Ordinance
The Companion Animal and Consumer Protection Ordinance returned to the City of Joliet's Land Use & Legislative Committee on August 17, 2016. Two items were up for discussion: the ordinance we are advocating, and the "disclosure ordinance" which was placed on the agenda the prior week. We are pleased to report that thanks to Committee members Jim McFarland and Jan Hallums Quillman, the disclosure ordinance was removed from consideration now and in the future. Councilman Terry Morris voted in favor of the disclosure ordinance. McFarland and Hallums Quillman also voted to table the Companion Animal and Consumer Protection Ordinance until the appeals challenging Chicago's and Cook County's Companion Animal and Consumer Protection Ordinance is resolved. Terry Morris voted against keeping this ordinance alive. Safe Pets for Joliet spoke in support of the proposed ordinance at the meeting. Pet store owners of Furry Babies and Petland spoke against the ordinance. Listen to the City of Joliet's audio of the discussion at the meeting, which begins at the 9-minute mark.
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ACTION ALERT: City Introduces Alternative "Disclosure Ordinance"
The agenda for the Legislative & Land Use Committee meeting on August 17, 2016, has been released, and there is a surprise - a second ordinance option that is known as a "disclosure ordinance." This kind of ordinance does nothing to protect animals or consumers, and in fact, portions of it are IDENTICAL to the ordinance that Orland Park passed to OPT OUT of Cook County's Companion Animal and Consumer Protection ordinance in 2014.
We need to convince the Committee that a disclosure ordinance is unacceptable. Read it yourself, starting on page 11. Call and email the committee members to ask them to support the Companion Animal and Consumer Protection Ordinance and NOT the Disclosure Ordinance:
- Terry Morris (Chairman), 815-791-7664, tmorris@jolietcity.org
- Jan Hallums Quillman, 815-726-7071, janquillman@att.net
- Jim McFarland, 815-260-6011, jmcfarland@jolietcity.org
Please also consider attending the meeting to show your support of the original ordinance and, ideally, speak to the committee to let your voice be heard. The meeting is Wednesday, August 17 at 5 p.m. at Joliet City Hall. RSVP on Facebook.
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Puppy in the Window Store Closes
The Puppy in the Window store that replaced Petland at 1480 Larkin Avenue has CLOSED. The Ross department store that is entering the strip mall acquired their space. While this is fantastic news, we still need to fight to end Furry Babies' inhumane business practices and prevent any more of these pet stores from entering our city. See the post below for information on how you can help.
In the meantime, we suggest doing your shopping at Ross instead of the Westfield Joliet mall, as the mall management has refused to even look at our information about Furry Babies.
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ACTION ALERT: Ordinance Returning to Joliet City Council Legislative & Land Use Committee
The Companion Animal and Consumer Protection Ordinance will be once again presented to the Joliet City Council's Legislative & Land Use Committee at its meeting on Wednesday, August 17, 2016 at 5 p.m. It was tabled in April and May and its future is still unclear. Please take action and call and email the committee members and ask them to support this strong, effective legislation:
- Terry Morris (Chairman), 815-791-7664, tmorris@jolietcity.org
- Jan Hallums Quillman, 815-726-7071, janquillman@att.net
- Jim McFarland, 815-260-6011, jmcfarland@jolietcity.org
Please also consider attending the meeting to show your support and, ideally, speak to the committee to let your voice be heard. And if you haven't already, sign and share the petition that will be presented to the Committee: http://goo.gl/SLsmCp
We started this fight over a year ago. Let's end it with a victory!
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Furry Babies Breeders
Safe Pets for Joliet has compiled information on the breeders Furry Babies purchased dogs from in 2015. Not much has changed since 2014, 2013, or 2012. Lowlights:
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Furry Babies Protest
On Sunday, March 6, 2016, Safe Pets for Joliet is hosting a peaceful protest of the Furry Babies store at the Westfield Joliet Mall. RSVP to the event on the Safe Pets for Joliet Facebook Page.
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Petland Leaves - Puppy In the Window Takes Its Place
The Petland located at 1480 Larkin Avenue has been replaced by a new store called Puppy In the Window. This store's Illinois Department of Agriculture licensee inspection report indicates they are purchasing their dogs from the same puppy brokers as Petland. The breeder records obtained from the store on January 23, 2016 reflect a familiar trend of dogs being purchased from puppy mills. (Note: The Illinois Department of Agriculture had no veterinary certificates on file for Puppy in the Window as of February 4, 2016.) Download the breakdown of breeders and their non-compliances on record with the USDA.
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Black Saturday Protest
On "Black Saturday," December 1, 2015 Safe Pets for Joliet and local residents staged a peaceful protest of the Furry Babies store at the Westfield Joliet Mall to educate mall visitors that puppies are not presents. View photos from the protest on the Safe Pets for Joliet Facebook Page.
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Furry Babies Protest
On May 31, 2015, Safe Pets for Joliet and local residents staged a peaceful protest of the Furry Babies store at the Westfield Joliet Mall. Our group spent two hours sharing the truth about Furry Babies, pet stores, and puppy mills. View photos and video from the protest on the Safe Pets for Joliet Facebook Page.
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Ordinance Returned to Land Use & Legislative Committee
The ordinance returned to the City of Joliet's Land Use & Legislative Committee on May 28, 2015. It was tabled and will be considered by the committee again once the lawsuit challenging Chicago's Companion Animal and Consumer Protection Ordinance is resolved. Safe Pets for Joliet spoke in support of the proposed ordinance at the meeting, as did members of The Puppy Mill Project and Joliet residents. Pet store representatives also provided comments. Listen to the City of Joliet's audio of the discussion at the meeting.
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Furry Babies Investigation
On April 23, 2015, ABC 7 Chicago I-Team Investigator Jason Knowles exposed the dark truth behind Furry Babies' promises of healthy, well-bred pets. Knowles interviewed owners of sick puppies purchased from Furry Babies and presented their breeders' violations of the minimum standards of care required by the USDA. Read the story and watch the heartbreaking video.
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Ordinance Introduced to Joliet City Council Legislative & Land Use Committee
The ordinance was presented to the Joliet City Council's Legislative & Land Use Committee at its meeting on April 15, 2015. It was tabled and will be considered by the committee again in May. Safe Pets for Joliet spoke in support of the proposed ordinance at the meeting, as did members of The Puppy Mill Project and Joliet residents. Pet store representatives also provided comments. Listen to the City of Joliet's audio of the discussion at the meeting.
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Ordinance Support Petition Reaches 1,000 Signatures
Our Change.org petition in support of the ordinance reached 1,000 signatures on April 14, 2015. Please continue to sign and share the petition - updates are being provided to the Joliet City Council.
On "Black Friday" 2016, Safe Pets for Joliet hosted our second annual "Puppies Are Not Presents" peaceful protest of the Furry Babies store at the Westfield Joliet Mall. Pets that are purchased at places like Furry Babies and given as gifts are highly likely to be abandoned after the holidays, yet this is a huge market for pet stores. A great group of volunteers braved the chill to educate mall visitors about the connection between pet stores and inhumane commercial breeders. Santa even showed up with his "naughty list." View photos from the protest on Facebook.
********************
Land Use & Legislative Committee Rejects Disclosure Ordinance
The Companion Animal and Consumer Protection Ordinance returned to the City of Joliet's Land Use & Legislative Committee on August 17, 2016. Two items were up for discussion: the ordinance we are advocating, and the "disclosure ordinance" which was placed on the agenda the prior week. We are pleased to report that thanks to Committee members Jim McFarland and Jan Hallums Quillman, the disclosure ordinance was removed from consideration now and in the future. Councilman Terry Morris voted in favor of the disclosure ordinance. McFarland and Hallums Quillman also voted to table the Companion Animal and Consumer Protection Ordinance until the appeals challenging Chicago's and Cook County's Companion Animal and Consumer Protection Ordinance is resolved. Terry Morris voted against keeping this ordinance alive. Safe Pets for Joliet spoke in support of the proposed ordinance at the meeting. Pet store owners of Furry Babies and Petland spoke against the ordinance. Listen to the City of Joliet's audio of the discussion at the meeting, which begins at the 9-minute mark.
********************
ACTION ALERT: City Introduces Alternative "Disclosure Ordinance"
The agenda for the Legislative & Land Use Committee meeting on August 17, 2016, has been released, and there is a surprise - a second ordinance option that is known as a "disclosure ordinance." This kind of ordinance does nothing to protect animals or consumers, and in fact, portions of it are IDENTICAL to the ordinance that Orland Park passed to OPT OUT of Cook County's Companion Animal and Consumer Protection ordinance in 2014.
We need to convince the Committee that a disclosure ordinance is unacceptable. Read it yourself, starting on page 11. Call and email the committee members to ask them to support the Companion Animal and Consumer Protection Ordinance and NOT the Disclosure Ordinance:
- Terry Morris (Chairman), 815-791-7664, tmorris@jolietcity.org
- Jan Hallums Quillman, 815-726-7071, janquillman@att.net
- Jim McFarland, 815-260-6011, jmcfarland@jolietcity.org
Please also consider attending the meeting to show your support of the original ordinance and, ideally, speak to the committee to let your voice be heard. The meeting is Wednesday, August 17 at 5 p.m. at Joliet City Hall. RSVP on Facebook.
********************
Puppy in the Window Store Closes
The Puppy in the Window store that replaced Petland at 1480 Larkin Avenue has CLOSED. The Ross department store that is entering the strip mall acquired their space. While this is fantastic news, we still need to fight to end Furry Babies' inhumane business practices and prevent any more of these pet stores from entering our city. See the post below for information on how you can help.
In the meantime, we suggest doing your shopping at Ross instead of the Westfield Joliet mall, as the mall management has refused to even look at our information about Furry Babies.
********************
ACTION ALERT: Ordinance Returning to Joliet City Council Legislative & Land Use Committee
The Companion Animal and Consumer Protection Ordinance will be once again presented to the Joliet City Council's Legislative & Land Use Committee at its meeting on Wednesday, August 17, 2016 at 5 p.m. It was tabled in April and May and its future is still unclear. Please take action and call and email the committee members and ask them to support this strong, effective legislation:
- Terry Morris (Chairman), 815-791-7664, tmorris@jolietcity.org
- Jan Hallums Quillman, 815-726-7071, janquillman@att.net
- Jim McFarland, 815-260-6011, jmcfarland@jolietcity.org
Please also consider attending the meeting to show your support and, ideally, speak to the committee to let your voice be heard. And if you haven't already, sign and share the petition that will be presented to the Committee: http://goo.gl/SLsmCp
We started this fight over a year ago. Let's end it with a victory!
********************
Furry Babies Breeders
Safe Pets for Joliet has compiled information on the breeders Furry Babies purchased dogs from in 2015. Not much has changed since 2014, 2013, or 2012. Lowlights:
- Dogs were obtained from commercial breeding facilities housing up to 378 dogs.
- 17% of the breeders were not listed in the USDA’s licensee database, despite Furry Babies’ claim in its “Breeder Information Book” that only USDA licensed and inspected breeders are permitted to sell to pet stores.
- 67% of the USDA licensed breeders were found by USDA inspectors to not be in compliance with the AWA in 2012-2015.
- One of the licensed breeders was found to be non-compliant with the AWA 15 times in 2013.
- Five of the licensed breeders committed “direct” non-compliances, defined by the USDA as having “a high potential to adversely affect the health and well-being of an animal.”
- Three of the breeders from Iowa and Missouri were listed in The Humane Society of the United States Report, 101 Puppy Mills: A Sampling of Problem Puppy Mills in the United States, dated May 2014.
- One of the breeders from Kansas was listed in The Humane Society of the United States Report, A Horrible Hundred: Problem Puppy Mills in the United States, dated May 2013.
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Furry Babies Protest
On Sunday, March 6, 2016, Safe Pets for Joliet is hosting a peaceful protest of the Furry Babies store at the Westfield Joliet Mall. RSVP to the event on the Safe Pets for Joliet Facebook Page.
********************
Petland Leaves - Puppy In the Window Takes Its Place
The Petland located at 1480 Larkin Avenue has been replaced by a new store called Puppy In the Window. This store's Illinois Department of Agriculture licensee inspection report indicates they are purchasing their dogs from the same puppy brokers as Petland. The breeder records obtained from the store on January 23, 2016 reflect a familiar trend of dogs being purchased from puppy mills. (Note: The Illinois Department of Agriculture had no veterinary certificates on file for Puppy in the Window as of February 4, 2016.) Download the breakdown of breeders and their non-compliances on record with the USDA.
********************
Black Saturday Protest
On "Black Saturday," December 1, 2015 Safe Pets for Joliet and local residents staged a peaceful protest of the Furry Babies store at the Westfield Joliet Mall to educate mall visitors that puppies are not presents. View photos from the protest on the Safe Pets for Joliet Facebook Page.
********************
Furry Babies Protest
On May 31, 2015, Safe Pets for Joliet and local residents staged a peaceful protest of the Furry Babies store at the Westfield Joliet Mall. Our group spent two hours sharing the truth about Furry Babies, pet stores, and puppy mills. View photos and video from the protest on the Safe Pets for Joliet Facebook Page.
********************
Ordinance Returned to Land Use & Legislative Committee
The ordinance returned to the City of Joliet's Land Use & Legislative Committee on May 28, 2015. It was tabled and will be considered by the committee again once the lawsuit challenging Chicago's Companion Animal and Consumer Protection Ordinance is resolved. Safe Pets for Joliet spoke in support of the proposed ordinance at the meeting, as did members of The Puppy Mill Project and Joliet residents. Pet store representatives also provided comments. Listen to the City of Joliet's audio of the discussion at the meeting.
********************
Furry Babies Investigation
On April 23, 2015, ABC 7 Chicago I-Team Investigator Jason Knowles exposed the dark truth behind Furry Babies' promises of healthy, well-bred pets. Knowles interviewed owners of sick puppies purchased from Furry Babies and presented their breeders' violations of the minimum standards of care required by the USDA. Read the story and watch the heartbreaking video.
********************
Ordinance Introduced to Joliet City Council Legislative & Land Use Committee
The ordinance was presented to the Joliet City Council's Legislative & Land Use Committee at its meeting on April 15, 2015. It was tabled and will be considered by the committee again in May. Safe Pets for Joliet spoke in support of the proposed ordinance at the meeting, as did members of The Puppy Mill Project and Joliet residents. Pet store representatives also provided comments. Listen to the City of Joliet's audio of the discussion at the meeting.
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Ordinance Support Petition Reaches 1,000 Signatures
Our Change.org petition in support of the ordinance reached 1,000 signatures on April 14, 2015. Please continue to sign and share the petition - updates are being provided to the Joliet City Council.
