Illinois is one of the leading states with excellent animal protection laws according to the Animal Legal Defense Fund. They state that people throughout Illinois are caring more and more about animals although it is not always the case. You can read more at http://www.straypetadvocacy.org/PDF/AnimalCrueltyLaws.pdf & http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2013/12/17/advocates-illinois-ranks-first-in-animal-protection-laws/
Illinois is stringent in their laws regarding the required care and welfare of animals throughout the state. Any crimes of animal cruelty, abuse and neglect often culminate with a Class B Misdemeanor charge for 1st offenses, with 2nd offenses receiving a Class 4 Felony. In addition to other penalties provided by law, the person may be required to undergo psychological evaluation and treatment. Without more severe implications, animal cruelty will never stop and defenseless animals will continue to be victimized.
The effort in this petition is to encourage Illinois State Legislators to implement and strictly enforce more serious felony charges for any and all crimes stemming for animal cruelty, abuse and neglect. There should be no 1st or 2nd offense and menial misdemeanor charges. Whatever the extent, any offense against a living, breathing defenseless animals warrants no less than a felony offense with stringent penalties and accountability. Along with the felony offense and appropriate consequences, the offender would be listed as a registered animal abuser that would prevent future mistreatment, ownership and encounters with any animals for a lifetime, guaranteed. Strict measurements need to be taken and fully enforced in order to put an end to such animal cruelty. You can help with this issue by signing and sharing this petition, adding your own comments and thoughts.
Illinois State Legislators – As an avid animal advocate who has lived in Illinois for more than 60 years, I have gave concerns about the welfare of animals statewide and across our nation. I strongly urge you to implement and strictly enforce more serious felony charges for any and all crimes stemming for animal cruelty, abuse and neglect. There should be no 1st or 2nd offense and menial misdemeanor charges. Whatever the extent, any offense against a living, breathing defenseless animals warrants no less than a felony offense with stringent penalties and accountability. Along with the felony offense and appropriate consequences, the offender would be listed as a registered animal abuser that would prevent future mistreatment, ownership and encounters with any animals for a lifetime, guaranteed. Strict measurements need to be taken and fully enforced in order to put an end to such animal cruelty.
