ASPCA Applauds State of Illinois' Initiative in Preventing the Criminalization of Canines    

Innovative Law Taking Effect January 1, 2007 Will Prevent Dogs From Being Used as Weapons

[DEC. 30, 2006]  NEW YORK—The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) today applauded the state of Illinois in its pursuit of justice towards all—including our canine companions. On January 1, 2007, Illinois will become the first state in the nation to crack down on potentially dangerous and vicious dogs owned by convicted felons, when Public Act 94-0818 will take effect.

“We and the entire animal-loving community are extremely grateful to Rep. Jerry Mitchell and Sen. William Haine for sponsoring this extremely important public safety bill,” said Ed Sayres, president & CEO of the ASPCA. “Gang members, who are often legally prohibited from owning armed weapons, frequently use dogs as weapons to intimidate community members. This innovative act was designed to make our communities safer, and is a major step forward in correctly administering and regulating ‘dangerous dog’ laws. I commend these far-sighted lawmakers for this act of public service.”

“Dogs are wonderful companions and great protectors in many situations,” stated State Representative Jerry Mitchell (90th District). “They were never meant to be used as a weapon to protect or defend illegal activities.”

The ASPCA’s Ledy VanKavage, Senior Director of Legal Training and Legislation, worked closely on this legislation. “Rep. Mitchell and Senator Haine developed a novel solution to protect the public from dangerous dogs, while also keeping the best interests of dogs at heart,” said Ms. VanKavage. We hope other states pass similar legislation.”

Public Act 94-0818 will make it a Class A misdemeanor for a person convicted of a felony to own, possess, have custody of or reside in a residence with, an un-spayed or un-neutered dog older than 12 weeks of age, or any dog deemed “vicious” under the Illinois Animal Control Act. Further, any dog owned, possessed by, or in the custody of a person convicted of one of the listed felonies, must be micro chipped for permanent identification.

Research has shown that sterilized animals are less likely to behave aggressively, bite or be involved in fatal attacks. The illegal blood sport of dog fighting involves intact dogs. According to Karen Delise, author of Fatal Dog Attacks, there were 28 fatal dog attacks in the United States in 2005—and 90 percent of the dogs involved in fatal attacks were not spayed or neutered. Additionally, a 2002 Texas Severe Animal Attack Survey revealed that 81 percent of the dogs involved in severe attacks on people were not spayed or neutered.

About the ASPCA®

Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) was the first humane organization established in the Western Hemisphere and today has one million supporters. The ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. The ASPCA provides national leadership in anti-cruelty, animal behavior, humane education, government affairs and public policy, shelter support, and animal poison control. The NYC headquarters houses a full-service animal hospital and adoption facility. The Humane Law Enforcement department enforces New York's animal cruelty laws and is featured on the reality television series Animal Precinct on Animal Planet. Visit www.aspca.org for more information.

[News release]