Posted May 29, 2015
Illinois lawmakers have proposed legislation that would make
exposing outside pets to extreme hot or cold weather punishable with jail time
and fines, according to a My Web Times article available here.
Chicago Tribune also published an article available here
and ABC WSIL here.
The Illinois House approved the measure 104-11 on Tuesday.
The state Senate passed it last month. Now it only requires approval from Gov.
Bruce Rauner to become law.
The bill would make it a misdemeanor to expose dogs and cats
to extreme temperatures, and offenders could face up to a year in jail and
fines of up to $2,500.
Sponsoring Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, D-Chicago, said the bill
was inspired by recent cases of dogs freezing to death in subzero temperatures
last winter, according to Chicago
Tribune.
Opponents said the bill goes too far in regulating what
people do with their animals and could affect farmers in particular.
"I grew up on a farm. I'm a farm boy," said Rep.
Randy Frese, R-Paloma. "We take the best care of our animals. … I think
we've got enough laws in the state anyway. We probably have enough good laws to
enforce treating animals correctly."
Supporters say the bill will help save pet lives, but
protesters say the proposal needs to better define what constitutes extreme
weather. Still, Thomas hopes it will better educate pet owners, according to ABC
WSIL.
"During the winter pets definitely can suffer from
frost bite," explained Dr. Hannah Thomas of the Marion Veterinary Clinic.
"I have not personally lost any patients to extreme temperatures, but I
have had some very close calls. I have had some intensive management
afterwards, especially with the heat stroke."
For more information on animal welfare, please visit the
National Agricultural Law Center’s website here.
