Illinois State Representative Margo McDermed introduced legislation that classifies any person who possesses or houses five female dogs as a professional breeder. This would subject those dog owners to costly and intrusive regulations intended for commercial businesses. House Bill 4105 is currently in the House Committee on Rules.
Take Action Today! Illinois sportsmen and women should call their state representatives and ask them to OPPOSE House Bill 4105. Illinois members can contact their representatives by using the Sportsmen’s Alliance Legislative Action Directory.
HB 4105 treats the mere possession of five dogs as proof of a commercial enterprise, even if a person hasn’t sold a single dog. New regulations associated with this bill include increased licensing fees and unannounced audits from veterinarians and government agencies. It would also require a professional breeder to provide primary enclosures that are at least twice as big as enclosures currently required by the United States Department of Agriculture.
“Treating casual dog owners as professional breeders will result in the elimination of sporting dog kennels and hobby breeders who simply cannot afford the unnecessary and high costs of compliance,” said Jacob Hupp, associate director of state services at the Sportsmen’s Alliance.
About the Sportsmen’s Alliance: The Sportsmen’s Alliance protects and defends America’s wildlife conservation programs and the pursuits – hunting, fishing and trapping – that generate the money to pay for them. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation is responsible for public education, legal defense and research. Its mission is accomplished through several distinct programs coordinated to provide the most complete defense capability possible. Stay connected to Sportsmen’s Alliance: Online, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.