Chicago Animal Shelter Alliance Unanimously Endorses Fritchey's Plan

Companion Animal & Consumer Protection Ordinance 

in Cook County Should Move Ahead as Planned

Chicago, IL—On Wednesday, April 9, 2014 the Cook County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the Cook County Companion Animal & Consumer Protection Ordinance, a proposal from Cook County Commissioner John Fritchey and supported by The Puppy Mill Project, joining the City of Chicago ordinance already in place. The ordinance limits the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in Cook County pet stores to animals sourced from shelters, humane adoption centers, and small-scale breeders.

Recently Commissioners Elizabeth “Liz” Doody Gorman and Joan Patricia Murphy proposed an amendment to the Bill and introduced new legislation which opens the doors for pet stores to purchase dogs from USDA commercial breeders as long as they have not had any direct violations in the past two years.

The Chicago Animal Shelter Alliance (CASA), a coalition of 14 shelters and rescue organizations, that unanimously agrees that the best way to help protect animals and consumers alike is to keep the ordinance as written and ban the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits at pet stores. Thousands of animals from Cook County are euthanized each year due to overpopulation and lack of space in shelters.

Encouraging people to adopt their pets saves lives and protects consumers. Reputable breeders who care about the lineage, health, and well-being of their animals will NOT sell their dogs, cats, or rabbits to pet stores or brokers. They sell directly to the public, invite people on to their property to meet the animals, see where they are raised, and encourage people to return an animal to them if they cannot keep them for any reason.

CASA agrees with City Clerk Susana Mendoza’s statement to the Commissioners that “To go back on your vote and side with the puppy mill industry is a disservice, not only to the people of Cook County, but also to the animals who cannot stand up for themselves.”

The Puppy Mill Project has successfully worked with many pet stores to transition them to a humane, adoption-based system. Owners have reported much success, strong community support, and in most cases an increase in revenue.

CASA members work tirelessly on behalf of the animals and is counting on the Cook County Board to do the right thing and stand by the initial Bill as voted previously.

The Chicago Animal Shelter Alliance (CASA) was formed in 2002 by a coalition of Chicago shelters and rescues that realized that, by working together, they could consolidate their efforts to reach a wider audience and make a greater impact. Since that time, the organization has grown to include animal welfare organizations and veterinarians in the Chicago area. The CASA mission is to reduce, and eventually eliminate, needless euthanasia of companion animals and to encourage cooperation to find homes for every adoptable animal.