SR1152 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1152 LRB099 15091 GRL 39301 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, November 10, 2016 has been designated as National Puppy Mill Awareness Day, a day where the National Puppy Mill Project and animal advocates around the country will join together to ban puppy mills and their cruelty to animals; and

WHEREAS, According to the Humane Society of the United States, it is estimated that 10,000 puppy mills produce more than 2.4 million puppies a year in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Puppy mills are mass-breeding facilities that churn out puppies in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions without adequate veterinary care, food, water, or socialization; and

WHEREAS, The inhumane conditions in puppy mill facilities lead to health and behavioral issues, as well as congenital and hereditary illness and disease; puppy mill puppies often arrive in pet stores and their new homes with various diseases, including giardia, parvovirus kennel cough, heartworm, and distemper; these diseases can lead to excessive veterinary costs both upfront and down the line; and

WHEREAS, Enforcement authorities at local, state, and federal levels lack the resources to sufficiently monitor breeding facilities for inhumane treatment, which allow puppy mills to continue to operate with impunity; due to budget constraints, the Illinois Department of Agriculture employs only 7 inspectors who are charged with overseeing more than 1,300 dog dealers, kennel operators, and pet shop operators in the State; and

WHEREAS, Every year, millions of cats and dogs are euthanized in our nation's animal shelters because there are more pets than there are responsible homes for them; puppy mills contribute to pet overpopulation and cause countless animals lifetimes of suffering; and

WHEREAS, Facilities in Illinois have impounded tens of thousands of dogs and cats that are not reclaimed by the owner; these facilities ultimately have to euthanize many thousands of animals; and

WHEREAS, Across the country, thousands of independent pet stores and large chains operate profitably with a business model focused on the sale of pet services and supplies and not on the sale of dogs and cats; many of these stores collaborate with local animal shelters and rescue organizations to offer space and support for showcasing adoptable homeless pets on their premises; and

WHEREAS, Illinois residents are encouraged to "adopt and not shop", because adopting homeless dogs from shelters and rescues helps put us closer to our goal of making Illinois a no-kill community and helps put bad breeders out of business; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we designate September 18, 2016 as "Puppy Mill Awareness Day" in the State of Illinois in order to raise awareness of puppy mills and their effect on the animals and people of this State.