Bill Aims To Bring Puppy Mills To Heel In DuPage, Will Counties

WHEATON, IL — Lawmakers in DuPage and Will Counties have taken a major first step in combating puppy mills in the suburbs by drafting a bill that would outlaw the sale of pets that have been bred commercially. Rep. David S. Olsen (R-Naperville) and Sen. Michael Connelly (R-Lisle) aim to prevent stores from selling dogs, cats, and other small animals that came from catteries or puppy mills.

The legislation would allow stores to sell animals only if they were obtained from shelters, pounds, or rescue groups.

If made into law, the measure would charge a $500 fee to any pet store in DuPage or Will Counties caught selling an animal that has been bred commercially, according to a news release from Olsen's office. Connelly clarifies that it will "help stop inhumane practices," but will not "make it illegal to breed pets."

Olsen added that the bill would "improve animal welfare standards, encourage more pet adoptions and responsible breeding practices, and protect consumers, who today are largely unaware of the inhumane treatment many animals are subjected to before they are sold.”

After the announcement of the legislation was made, area shelters and humane societies took to social media to praise the measure.

The "puppy mill bill" is a joint effort of Olsen, Connelly, DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin, Will County State's Attorney James Glasgow, DuPage County Board Animal Care and Control Committee Chairman Brian Krajewski (R-Downers Grove), and Will County Legislative Chairwoman Suzanne Hart (R-Naperville).

Several animal advocacy groups, including the Humane Society of the United States and The Puppy Mill Project are heavily involved in this effort to restrict catteries, puppy mills, and other commercial breeding facilities.

>>Image via AP IMAGES/AP IMAGES FOR THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES/Lance Murphey