Illinois State Representative Margo McDermed introduced legislation, HB 4105, that would have classified any person who possessed or housed five female dogs as a professional breeder. The bill would have also subjected those dog owners to costly and intrusive regulations intended for commercial businesses. The Sportsmen’s Alliance has confirmed that the bill is dead.
HB 4105 treated the mere possession of five dogs as proof of a commercial enterprise, even if a person didn’t sell a single dog. New regulations associated with the bill also include increased licensing fees and unannounced audits from veterinarians and government agencies. Additionally, it would have required a “professional breeder” to provide primary enclosures that were at least twice as large as enclosures currently required by the United States Department of Agriculture.
“With many legislatures adjourning early or extending their sessions due to the COVID 19 pandemic, the Sportsmen’s Alliance has continued to monitor bills and fight for sportsmen’s interests nationwide. While the rest of world has shut down, big government and the anti’s did not,” said Jacob Hupp associate state director of the Sportsmen’s Alliance. “HB 4105 was a perfect example of a low-profile bill that could easily have snuck in under the radar while focus was elsewhere, but we were able to keep it in committee where it has died.”
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.