Endorsement from Julie Gondar, President of the Kendall County Democrats
August 6, 2019
Mary Blanchard, Co-Founder of Conversations about Race Endorses Ken Mejia-Beal
August 7, 2019
As an avid animal lover, I am also looking into steps to make Illinois more animal-friendly.
- In 1966, Congress passed the Animal Welfare Act which is enforced by the United States Department of Agriculture. Unfortunately, thousands of facilities that breed and sell puppies are not required to adhere to the federal humane care standards because they are not considered “wholesale” operations. I will draft legislation that will prohibit pet stores from selling animals that are sourced from commercial breeders. Illinois should only allow the sale of animals that are sourced from rescues or shelters.
- I will push to prohibit tail docking of dogs for cosmetic reasons (exempting police or service dogs).
- I will impose mandatory forfeiture of animals upon conviction of a violent crime.
- I will seek to add animals to the order of protection in Illinois courts, in cases of domestic violence.
- I will push for legislation that bans cat declawing, except in the cases of medical necessity.
