Illinois legislators alter animal control act

Springfield, Ill.-In late August, the governor of the state of Illinois signed off on legislation that updates the state's Animal Control Act.

"It's all about responsibility, and it's all about accountability," says Governor Rod Blagojevich. "These are common-sense changes we are making to help make our streets and our neighborhoods safer."

Prior to his signing, State Representative Skip Saviano and Senator Don Harmon coordinated with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Humane Society of Central Illinois, the Animal Protective League, Illinois Department of Agriculture, Cook County State's Attorneys' office and the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association to amend House Bill 184, which updates the Illinois Animal Control Act.

The updated version contains provisions to protect the public against aggressive dogs and addresses dog and cat overpopulation in the state.

The new law, effective immediately, makes it a criminal offense for a person to own a dog that attacks a person or another companion animal. It also allows farmers to protect farm animals from aggressive canines.

In the revision, it sets up guidelines for local authorities to declare dogs "dangerous" or "vicious" and subject to muzzling, fenced confinement or euthanasia when deemed appropriate. The act includes punishment for non-compliant dog owners.