ANIMAL WELFARE-PRO BREEDER
The bill particularly impacts pet shops, which are now required to source dogs and cats from animal shelters, control facilities, or professional breeders that adhere to specific guidelines. These provisions ensure that only ethically sourced animals contribute to the pet market, which is aimed at reducing the instances of puppy mills and inhumane treatment of breeding animals. In essence, the legislation strengthens the oversight of pet sales and the treatment of animals within breeding facilities.
House Bill 2793 amends the Animal Welfare Act to enhance regulations around professional breeding and the sale of pets in Illinois. It introduces the definition of 'professional breeder' and establishes strict guidelines on how pet shops and shelters can source their animals. Under the provisions, animal shelters are prohibited from accepting dogs or cats from breeders unless they can provide documentation that confirms the animals were not obtained through compensated transactions with dog breeders or dealers.
While the overarching goal of the bill is to promote animal welfare, it has sparked discussions regarding the balance between regulation and the business interests of pet shops and breeders. Supporters argue that these measures are necessary to promote responsible breeding practices and protect consumer interests, ensuring that people are not purchasing animals that have been mistreated. Critics, however, express concerns about the red tape that might impede legitimate breeders and pet shops, potentially limiting consumer choices and raising the overall cost of obtaining pets.