101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2019 and 2020
SB0061

 

Introduced 1/16/2019, by Sen. Linda Holmes

 

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:
 
See Index

    Amends the Animal Welfare Act. Provides that an animal shelter, animal control facility, or rescue group or transfer group shall not adopt out any dog or adopt out or return or release any cat unless it has been sterilized and microchipped. Increases administrative fines imposed by the Department of Agriculture for a violation of the Act. Increases fees for licenses issued under the Act. Provides that all fees, fines, and other money received by the Department under the Act shall be paid into the Department of Agriculture Animal Welfare Fund (rather than the General Revenue Fund) in the State Treasury for use in administering the Act. Amends the Animal Control Act. Provides that rabies impoundment, definitions, and the provisions of the Act are exclusive powers and functions of the State. Provides that the following administrative fines shall be imposed by the Department upon any entity that violates the Act or any rule adopted by the Department under this Act: (1) for the first violation, a fine of $3,000; (2) for a second violation that occurs within 2 years after the first violation, a fine of $5,000; and (3) for a third violation that occurs within 3 years of the first violation a fine of $10,000. Provides that all fees, fines, and other moneys received by the Department under the Act shall be paid into the Department of Agriculture Animal Welfare Fund in the State Treasury for use in administering the Act. Makes conforming changes to the State Finance Act. Makes other changes.


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FISCAL NOTE ACT MAY APPLY
HOME RULE NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

 

 

A BILL FOR

 

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1    AN ACT concerning animals.
 
2    Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,
3represented in the General Assembly:
 
4    Section 5. The State Finance Act is amended by adding
5Section 5.891 as follows:
 
6    (30 ILCS 105/5.891 new)
7    Sec. 5.891. Department of Agriculture Animal Welfare Fund.
 
8    Section 10. The Animal Welfare Act is amended by changing
9Sections 2, 3, 3.2, 3.3, 20.5, 21, and 22 as follows:
 
10    (225 ILCS 605/2)  (from Ch. 8, par. 302)
11    Sec. 2. Definitions. As used in this Act unless the context
12otherwise requires:
13    "Department" means the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
14    "Director" means the Director of the Illinois Department of
15Agriculture.
16    "Pet shop operator" means any person who sells, offers to
17sell, exchange, or offers for adoption with or without charge
18or donation dogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles, or other animals
19customarily obtained as pets in this State. However, a person
20who sells only such animals that he has produced and raised
21shall not be considered a pet shop operator under this Act, and

 

 

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1a veterinary hospital or clinic operated by a veterinarian or
2veterinarians licensed under the Veterinary Medicine and
3Surgery Practice Act of 2004 shall not be considered a pet shop
4operator under this Act.
5    "Dog dealer" means any person who sells, offers to sell,
6exchange, or offers for adoption with or without charge or
7donation dogs in this State. However, a person who sells only
8dogs that he has produced and raised shall not be considered a
9dog dealer under this Act, and a veterinary hospital or clinic
10operated by a veterinarian or veterinarians licensed under the
11Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Practice Act of 2004 shall not
12be considered a dog dealer under this Act.
13    "Secretary of Agriculture" or "Secretary" means the
14Secretary of Agriculture of the United States Department of
15Agriculture.
16    "Person" means any person, firm, corporation, partnership,
17association or other legal entity, any public or private
18institution, the State of Illinois, or any municipal
19corporation or political subdivision of the State.
20    "Kennel operator" means any person who operates an
21establishment, other than an animal control facility,
22veterinary hospital, or animal shelter, where dogs or dogs and
23cats are maintained for boarding, training or similar purposes
24for a fee or compensation.
25    "Boarding" means a time frame greater than 12 hours or an
26overnight period during which an animal is kept by a kennel

 

 

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1operator.
2    "Cat breeder" means a person who sells, offers to sell,
3exchanges, or offers for adoption with or without charge cats
4that he or she has produced and raised. A person who owns, has
5possession of, or harbors 5 or less females capable of
6reproduction shall not be considered a cat breeder.
7    "Dog breeder" means a person who sells, offers to sell,
8exchanges, or offers for adoption with or without charge dogs
9that he has produced and raised. A person who owns, has
10possession of, or harbors 5 or less females capable of
11reproduction shall not be considered a dog breeder.
12    "Animal control facility" means any facility operated by or
13under contract for the State, county, or any municipal
14corporation or political subdivision of the State for the
15purpose of impounding or harboring seized, stray, homeless,
16abandoned or unwanted dogs, cats, and other animals. "Animal
17control facility" also means any veterinary hospital or clinic
18operated by a veterinarian or veterinarians licensed under the
19Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Practice Act of 2004 which
20operates for the above mentioned purpose in addition to its
21customary purposes.
22    "Animal shelter" means a facility operated, owned, or
23maintained by a duly incorporated humane society, animal
24welfare society, or other non-profit organization for the
25purpose of providing for and promoting the welfare, protection,
26and humane treatment of animals. "Animal shelter" also means

 

 

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1any veterinary hospital or clinic operated by a veterinarian or
2veterinarians licensed under the Veterinary Medicine and
3Surgery Practice Act of 2004 which operates for the above
4mentioned purpose in addition to its customary purposes.
5    "Day care operator" means a person who operates an
6establishment, other than an animal control facility,
7veterinary hospital, or animal shelter, where dogs or dogs and
8cats are kept for a period of time not exceeding 12 hours.
9    "Foster home" means an entity that accepts the
10responsibility for stewardship of animals that are the
11obligation of an animal shelter, or animal control facility, or
12rescue group or transfer group not to exceed 4 animals or
13litters under 12 weeks of age at any given time. Permits to
14operate as a "foster home" may shall be issued through the
15animal shelter, or animal control facility, or rescue group or
16transfer group.
17    "Guard dog service" means an entity that, for a fee,
18furnishes or leases guard or sentry dogs for the protection of
19life or property. A person is not a guard dog service solely
20because he or she owns a dog and uses it to guard his or her
21home, business, or farmland.
22    "Guard dog" means a type of dog used primarily for the
23purpose of defending, patrolling, or protecting property or
24life at a commercial establishment other than a farm. "Guard
25dog" does not include stock dogs used primarily for handling
26and controlling livestock or farm animals, nor does it include

 

 

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1personally owned pets that also provide security.
2    "Release" means to set the animal free in a different
3location where there is access to food, water, and shelter.
4    "Rescue group or transfer group" means a non-profit
5organization that does not have a building or facility that
6takes animals from animal shelters or animal control facilities
7for adoption or return or transfers animals to other animal
8shelters, animal control facilities, or another rescue group or
9transfer group for adoption, return, or transfer.
10    "Return" means to return to the vicinity where the animal
11was found.
12    "Sentry dog" means a dog trained to work without
13supervision in a fenced facility other than a farm, and to
14deter or detain unauthorized persons found within the facility.
15    "Probationary status" means the 12-month period following
16a series of violations of this Act during which any further
17violation shall result in an automatic 12-month suspension of
18licensure.
19    "Owner" means any person having a right of property in an
20animal, who keeps or harbors an animal, who has an animal in
21his or her care or acts as its custodian, or who knowingly
22permits a dog to remain on any premises occupied by him or her.
23"Owner" does not include a feral cat caretaker participating in
24a trap, spay/neuter, return or release program.
25(Source: P.A. 99-310, eff. 1-1-16; 100-842, eff. 1-1-19;
26100-870, eff. 1-1-19; revised 10-22-18.)
 

 

 

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1    (225 ILCS 605/3)  (from Ch. 8, par. 303)
2    Sec. 3. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this
3Section, no person shall engage in business as a pet shop
4operator, dog dealer, kennel operator, day care operator, dog
5breeder, or cat breeder or operate a guard dog service, an
6animal control facility, or animal shelter, or any combination
7thereof, in this State without a license therefor issued by the
8Department. Only one license shall be required for any
9combination of businesses at one location, except that a
10separate license shall be required to operate a guard dog
11service. Guard dog services that are located outside this State
12but provide services within this State are required to obtain a
13license from the Department. Out-of-state guard dog services
14are required to comply with the requirements of this Act with
15regard to guard dogs and sentry dogs transported to or used
16within this State.
17    (b) This Act does not apply to a private detective agency
18or private security agency licensed under the Private
19Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint
20Vendor, and Locksmith Act of 2004 that provides guard dog or
21canine odor detection services and does not otherwise operate a
22kennel for hire.
23(Source: P.A. 100-842, eff. 1-1-19.)
 
24    (225 ILCS 605/3.2)

 

 

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1    Sec. 3.2. Foster homes. A person shall not operate a foster
2home without first obtaining a permit from the animal shelter,
3rescue group or transfer group, or animal control facility for
4which that person will operate the foster home. Upon
5application and payment of the required fees by the animal
6shelter, the Department shall issue foster home permits to the
7animal shelter. The animal shelter, or rescue group or transfer
8group, or animal control facility shall be responsible for the
9records and have all the obligations of stewardship for animals
10in the foster homes to which it issues permits.
11    Foster homes shall provide the care for animals required by
12this Act and shall report any deviation that might affect the
13status of the license or permit to the animal shelter, rescue
14group or transfer group, or animal control facility.
15    A foster home shall not care for more than 4 animals or
16more than 2 litters under 12 weeks of age at any one time.
17(Source: P.A. 100-870, eff. 1-1-19.)
 
18    (225 ILCS 605/3.3)
19    Sec. 3.3. Adoption of dogs and cats.
20    (a) An animal shelter, or animal control facility, or
21rescue group or transfer group shall not adopt out any dog or
22adopt out or return or release any cat unless it has been
23sterilized and microchipped. However, an animal shelter, or
24animal control facility, rescue group or transfer group may
25adopt out a dog or cat that has not been sterilized and

 

 

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1microchipped if:
2        (1) if the cat or dog is less than 5 months of age and
3    there is written verification from a licensed veterinarian
4    that a sterilization appointment has been scheduled and the
5    adopting owner has executed a written agreement agreeing to
6    have sterilizing and microchipping procedures performed on
7    the animal to be adopted within a specified period of time
8    not to exceed 30 days after the date of the adoption, or
9        (2) the adopting owner has executed a written agreement
10    to have sterilizing and microchipping procedures performed
11    within 14 days after a licensed veterinarian certifies the
12    dog or cat is healthy enough for sterilizing and
13    microchipping procedures, and a licensed veterinarian has
14    certified that the dog or cat is too sick or injured to be
15    sterilized or it would be detrimental to the health of the
16    dog or cat to be sterilized or microchipped at the time of
17    the adoption.
18    (b) An animal shelter, or animal control facility, or
19rescue group or transfer group may adopt out any dog or cat
20that is not free of disease, injury, or abnormality if the
21disease, injury, or abnormality is disclosed in writing to the
22adopter, and the animal shelter or animal control facility
23allows the adopter to return the animal to the animal shelter
24or animal control facility.
25    (c) The requirements of subsections (a) and (b) of this
26Section do not apply to adoptions subject to Section 11 of the

 

 

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1Animal Control Act.
2(Source: P.A. 96-314, eff. 8-11-09.)
 
3    (225 ILCS 605/20.5)
4    Sec. 20.5. Administrative fines. The following
5administrative fines shall be imposed by the Department upon
6any person or entity who violates any provision of this Act or
7any rule adopted by the Department under this Act:
8        (1) For the first violation, a fine of $1,000 $500.
9        (2) For a second violation that occurs within 2 3 years
10    after the first violation, a fine of $2,500 $1,000.
11        (3) For a third violation that occurs within 3 years
12    after the first violation, mandatory probationary status
13    and a fine of $3,000 $2,500.
14(Source: P.A. 98-855, eff. 8-4-14.)
 
15    (225 ILCS 605/21)  (from Ch. 8, par. 321)
16    Sec. 21. The following fees shall accompany each
17application for a license, which fees shall not be returnable:
18    a. for an original license to an individual ...... $250 $25
19    b. for an original license to a partnership, animal
20shelter, animal control facility, or rescue group or transfer
21group, or
22            corporation .............................. $250 $25
23    c. for an annual renewal license ................. $100 $25
24    d. for each branch office license ................ $100 $25

 

 

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1    e. for the renewal of any license not renewed by
2            July 1 of the year ....................... $250 $40
3    f. (blank) for a permit for a foster home ............................................................. $25
4    g. (blank) for renewal of a permit for a foster home ............................................................. $25
5(Source: P.A. 89-178, eff. 7-19-95.)
 
6    (225 ILCS 605/22)  (from Ch. 8, par. 322)
7    Sec. 22. All fees, fines, and other money received by the
8Department under this Act shall be paid into the Department of
9Agriculture Animal Welfare Fund General Revenue Fund in the
10State Treasury for use in administering this Act.
11(Source: Laws 1965, p. 2956.)
 
12    Section 15. The Animal Control Act is amended by changing
13Sections 2.01, 2.07, 11, 24, and 35 and by adding Sections
142.19-1, 2.19-2, 2.19-3, and 28 as follows:
 
15    (510 ILCS 5/2.01)  (from Ch. 8, par. 352.01)
16    Sec. 2.01. Administrator. "Administrator" means a
17veterinarian licensed by the State of Illinois and appointed
18pursuant to this Act, or in the event a veterinarian cannot be
19found and appointed pursuant to this Act, a non-veterinarian
20may serve as Administrator under this Act. In the event the
21Administrator is not a veterinarian, the Administrator shall
22defer to the Deputy Administrator veterinarian regarding all
23medical decisions. A veterinarian shall be on call at all times

 

 

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1to make medical decisions for impounded injured or sick
2animals.
3(Source: P.A. 93-548, eff. 8-19-03.)
 
4    (510 ILCS 5/2.07)  (from Ch. 8, par. 352.07)
5    Sec. 2.07. Deputy Administrator. "Deputy Administrator"
6means a veterinarian licensed by the State of Illinois,
7appointed by the Administrator or the County Board.
8(Source: P.A. 93-548, eff. 8-19-03.)
 
9    (510 ILCS 5/2.19-1 new)
10    Sec. 2.19-1. Release. "Release" means to set the animal
11free in a different location where there is access to food,
12water, and shelter.
 
13    (510 ILCS 5/2.19-2 new)
14    Sec. 2.19-2. Rescue group or transfer group. "Rescue group
15or transfer group" means a non-profit organization that does
16not have a building or facility that takes animals from animal
17shelters or animal control facilities for adoption or return or
18transfers animals to other animal shelters, animal control
19facilities, or another rescue group or transfer group for
20adoption, return, or transfer.
 
21    (510 ILCS 5/2.19-3 new)
22    Sec. 2.19-3. Return. "Return" means to return to the

 

 

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1vicinity where the animal was found.
 
2    (510 ILCS 5/11)  (from Ch. 8, par. 361)
3    Sec. 11. Animal placement. When not redeemed by the owner,
4agent, or caretaker, a dog or cat must be scanned for a
5microchip. If a microchip is present, the registered owner or
6chip purchaser if the purchaser was a nonprofit organization,
7animal shelter, animal control facility, pet store, breeder, or
8veterinary office must be notified. After contact has been made
9or attempted, dogs or cats deemed adoptable by the animal
10control facility shall be offered for adoption, or made
11available to a licensed animal shelter humane society or rescue
12or transfer group. After contact has been made or attempted,
13the animal control facility shall either: (1) offer the cat for
14adoption; (2) return or release the cat after sterilization; or
15(3) make the cat available to a licensed animal shelter, rescue
16group or transfer group. If no placement is available, the
17animal may be humanely dispatched pursuant to the Humane
18Euthanasia in Animal Shelters Act. An animal control facility,
19animal pound or animal shelter, or rescue group or transfer
20group shall not adopt or release any dog or cat to anyone other
21than the owner unless the animal has been rendered incapable of
22reproduction and microchipped and if the cat or dog is less
23than 5 months of age and there is written verification from a
24licensed veterinarian that a sterilization appointment has
25been scheduled and , or the person wishing to adopt an animal

 

 

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1prior to the surgical procedures having been performed shall
2have executed a written agreement promising to have such
3service performed, including microchipping, within a specified
4period of time not to exceed 30 days. Failure to fulfill the
5terms of the agreement shall result in seizure and impoundment
6of the animal and any offspring by the animal pound or shelter,
7and any monies which have been deposited shall be forfeited and
8submitted to the county Pet Population Control Fund on a yearly
9basis. This Act shall not prevent humane societies, rescue
10groups or transfer groups, or animal shelters from engaging in
11activities set forth by their charters; provided, they are not
12inconsistent with provisions of this Act and other existing
13laws. No animal shelter or animal control facility shall
14release dogs or cats to an individual representing a rescue
15group or transfer group, unless the group has been licensed or
16has a foster care permit issued by the Illinois Department of
17Agriculture or is a representative of a not-for-profit
18out-of-state organization, animal shelter, or animal control
19facility. The Department may suspend or revoke the license of
20any animal shelter, rescue group or transfer group, or animal
21control facility that fails to comply with the requirements set
22forth in this Section or that fails to report its intake and
23euthanasia statistics as required by law each year.
24(Source: P.A. 100-870, eff. 1-1-19.)
 
25    (510 ILCS 5/24)  (from Ch. 8, par. 374)

 

 

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1    Sec. 24. Limitations. Nothing in this Act shall be held to
2limit in any manner the power of any municipality or other
3political subdivision to prohibit animals from running at
4large, nor shall anything in this Act be construed to, in any
5manner, limit the power of any municipality or other political
6subdivision to further control and regulate dogs, cats, or
7other animals in such municipality or other political
8subdivision provided that no regulation, policy, or ordinance
9is specific to breed or interferes with the foster care permits
10of Department of Agriculture licensees. Rabies impoundment,
11definitions, and the provisions of this Act are exclusive
12powers and functions of the State. This is a denial and
13limitation of home rule powers and functions under subsection
14(h) of Section 6 of article VII of the Illinois Constitution.
15(Source: P.A. 93-548, eff. 8-19-03.)
 
16    (510 ILCS 5/28 new)
17    Sec. 28. Administrative fines.
18    (a) The following administrative fines shall be imposed by
19the Department upon any entity that violates this Act or any
20rule adopted by the Department under this Act:
21        (1) For the first violation, a fine of $3,000.
22        (2) For a second violation that occurs within 2 years
23    after the first violation, a fine of $5,000.
24        (3) For a third violation that occurs within 3 years of
25    the first violation a fine of $10,000.

 

 

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1    All fees, fines, and other moneys received by the
2Department under this Act shall be paid into the Department of
3Agriculture Animal Welfare Fund in the State Treasury for use
4in administering this Act.
 
5    (510 ILCS 5/35)
6    Sec. 35. Liability.
7    (a) Any municipality, or political subdivision, or State
8university or community college allowing feral cat colonies and
9trap, sterilize, and return or release programs to help control
10cat overpopulation shall be immune from criminal liability and
11shall not be civilly liable, except for willful and wanton
12misconduct, for damages that may result from a feral cat. Any
13municipality or political subdivision allowing dog parks shall
14be immune from criminal liability and shall not be civilly
15liable, except for willful and wanton misconduct, for damages
16that may result from occurrences in the dog park.
17    (b) Any veterinarian, or animal shelter, or animal control
18facility, or rescue group or transfer group who in good faith
19contacts the registered owner, agent, or caretaker of a
20microchipped animal shall be immune from criminal liability and
21shall not, as a result of his or her acts or omissions, except
22for willful and wanton misconduct, be liable for civil damages.
23    (c) Any veterinarian who sterilizes feral cats and any
24feral cat caretaker who traps cats for a trap, sterilize, and
25return or release program shall be immune from criminal

 

 

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1liability and shall not, as a result of his or her acts or
2omissions, except for willful and wanton misconduct, be liable
3for civil damages.
4    (d) Any animal shelter, or animal control facility, or
5rescue group or transfer group worker who microchips an animal
6shall be immune from criminal liability and shall not, as a
7result of his or her acts or omissions, except for willful and
8wanton misconduct, be liable for civil damages.
9(Source: P.A. 97-240, eff. 1-1-12.)

 

 

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1 INDEX
2 Statutes amended in order of appearance
3    30 ILCS 105/5.891 new
4    225 ILCS 605/2from Ch. 8, par. 302
5    225 ILCS 605/3from Ch. 8, par. 303
6    225 ILCS 605/3.2
7    225 ILCS 605/3.3
8    225 ILCS 605/20.5
9    225 ILCS 605/21from Ch. 8, par. 321
10    225 ILCS 605/22from Ch. 8, par. 322
11    510 ILCS 5/2.01from Ch. 8, par. 352.01
12    510 ILCS 5/2.07from Ch. 8, par. 352.07
13    510 ILCS 5/2.19-1 new
14    510 ILCS 5/2.19-2 new
15    510 ILCS 5/2.19-3 new
16    510 ILCS 5/11from Ch. 8, par. 361
17    510 ILCS 5/24from Ch. 8, par. 374
18    510 ILCS 5/28 new
19    510 ILCS 5/35