The Illinois legislature has an opportunity to protect pets, consumers and local businesses alike by passing House Bill 2793. The legislation is part of a larger movement to fight “puppy mills” — inhumane dog breeding facilities — and protect consumers.
HB 2793 would ensure that all dogs sold or adopted in Illinois come from humane sources. Unfortunately, Illinois consumers who want to bring a dog home are currently at risk of being victimized by scams or getting a “rescue” dog that originated from a puppy mill.
Last month, state Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced that a Lake County man was arrested for allegedly operating an online puppy mill scam. Authorities allege that the man posted ads for puppies, but then absconded with money put up by potential buyers.
Meanwhile, state records show that Illinois rescues and shelters imported more than 23,000 dogs from out of state last year. Many of these dogs — which come from other states or foreign countries — are sold or “adopted” for over $500.
What’s the import rush? Here’s a hint: A Washington Post investigation found that rescues across the nation have been buying purebred dogs next door at Missouri auctions, which they could then use to charge huge adoption fees for sought-out breeds.
At least one Illinois rescue group brags about getting dogs directly from puppy mills. Is this really “animal rescue” — or is it under-the-radar profiteering with a phony cover story?
For Illinoisans who want to get a dog, there’s a growing risk. Unfortunately, much of this situation was self-inflicted.
A law passed two years ago banned the sale of dogs at licensed stores in Illinois. While well-intentioned, the bill simply created a black market for puppies. People who want specific breeds — such as a German shepherd — are now forced to turn to sketchier sources like the Internet.
HB 2793 would put an end to this. The bill would close the “puppy mill loophole” by prohibiting Illinois shelters and rescues from purchasing dogs from puppy mills. Meanwhile, the law would create standards for breeders within the Prairie State that address housing, veterinary care, socialization and exercise.
This would then trickle down to the retailers who sell canines, who can only purchase dogs sourced from “professional breeders” who meet the strict criteria. For consumer transparency, businesses would also be required to provide documentation to customers certifying compliance.
HB 2793 is a comprehensive solution to concerns about dog welfare that benefits families, their canine companions and businesses.
And we’ve already seen this approach work in other states. Ohio lawmakers passed a similar law in 2018 that created stronger standards for dog breeders and for canines sold at Ohio pet stores. The Humane Society of the United States called it a “pathbreaking new law” at the time.
Unfortunately, the same group is now opposing House Bill 2793 in Illinois. That’s because it doesn’t want to admit that Illinois’ existing law banning pet sales — which it lobbied for — failed to work. Hopefully, they and other activists will put stubbornness aside for reason and logic.
Puppy mills have been an issue for decades. Why doesn’t this issue ever get solved? Because of bad policymaking. Many of the groups that push for ineffective policies also raise money on the very existence of puppy mills. That’s an incentive for half-policies that don’t quite make the problem go away.
House Bill 2793 is the solution. It would address the issue of “puppy mills” head-on, ensuring that both consumers and dogs stay protected from scams, puppy mills and other bad actors.
Indiana just signed into law a similar breeder standards bill that protects the ability of families to buy a dog at retail, but requires that all dogs sold come from breeders that meet high standards. Illinois should be next. State lawmakers should get this pet protection bill across the finish line.
Ana Soskic is the founder of Protect Our Pets Illinois.