ASPCA urges Illinois Department of Public Health to implement 'Anna's Law' as a public safety measure         

[NOV. 21, 2006]  URBANA -- The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is calling on Gov. Blagojevich to direct the Illinois Department of Public Health to implement "Anna's Law," Public Act 94-639, which was passed by the Illinois Legislature in May 2005, to increase public safety while controlling pet population.

Anna Cieslewicz, a wife, mother and dog lover, was killed by two stray intact canines while jogging in the Dan Ryan Woods in 2003. Because of this tragedy, the Illinois Legislature passed Anna's Law to help reduce the stray dog population, and the bill was signed into law in August 2005. The need for the law was once again evident on Jan. 27, when an 8-year-old girl in Brooklyn, Ill., was attacked by a pack of stray dogs while walking to school.

Under Anna's Law, citizens receiving disability benefits, citizens receiving food stamps and feral cat caretakers will be able to have their dogs and cats spayed or neutered and vaccinated for rabies for only $15 at local participating veterinarians.

"According to Karen Delise, author of 'Fatal Dog Attacks,' there were 29 fatal dog attacks in the United States in 2005 -- 90 percent of which involved unsterilized dogs," said Ed Sayres, president of the ASPCA. "Pet population control programs are one of the most effective ways communities can not only reduce the number of homeless and stray animals, but also target related problems such as canine aggression."

A similar pet population control program in New Hampshire reduced the number of stray dogs and cats coming into their shelters by 36 percent and their euthanasia rate by 77 percent in just 10 years. For every $1 spent on the spay, neuter and vaccination program, taxpayers saved $3.15.

"More than a year has passed since Anna's Law was signed," said Ledy VanKavage, an attorney with the ASPCA. "The recent spotlight on dangerous dog attacks make it vital for this crucial legislation to be implemented immediately, so that the citizens of Illinois can stop fearing for their lives and regard dogs as they should -- as loving, caring companions."

About ASPCA

Founded in 1866, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was the first humane organization established in the Western Hemisphere and today has 1 million supporters. The ASPCA's mission is to provide an effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. The organization provides national leadership in humane education, government affairs and public policy, shelter support, and animal poison control. The New York City headquarters houses a full-service animal hospital, animal behavior center 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.

[ASPCA news release]