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HB 4753

ANIMAL WELFARE-PRO BREEDERS

104th Regular Session Introduced by Will Davis and 1 co-sponsor

HB4753 tightens Illinois breeder and seller rules, raising standards for professional breeders, shelters, and pet shops, with stricter records, care, and enforcement.

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Bill Summary · HB 4753

Overview

HB4753 (Illinois, 104th General Assembly) amends the Animal Welfare Act to tighten regulation of dog and cat breeders, pet shops, shelters, and related activities. It introduces a formal definition of “professional breeder,” creates new sourcing and recordkeeping requirements, expands protections against puppy/kitten mills, and strengthens enforcement mechanisms with heightened standards for breeding facilities and veterinary care. The bill also shifts some obligations to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (DFPR) subject to appropriation.

Main purpose and intent

  • Improve animal welfare by restricting the sources of dogs and cats sold or offered for sale.
  • Ensure breeders and pet shops operate with higher standards for housing, care, and veterinary oversight.
  • Close loopholes around obtaining animals from non-compliant or questionable sources (e.g., certain shelters, brokers, or out-of-state facilities).
  • Provide mechanisms for enforcement, civil remedies, and remedies for individuals harmed by violations.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definitions

    • Adds and refines terms including “professional breeder,” “animal control facility,” “animal shelter,” “pet shop operator,” and “dog dealer.”
    • Establishes yardsticks for breeding operations (e.g., number of breeding females, licensing under the federal Animal Welfare Act).

  • Acceptance of stray dogs and cats (Section 3.6)

    • Animal shelters may accept strays only under specified conditions, including documentation that the animal was not obtained through compensation to breeders or brokers.
    • Shelters must follow identification procedures (microchips, tags, etc.) and make reasonable efforts to locate and notify owners.
    • Clear rules on transfer, adoption, and euthanasia if no owner is identified.

  • Pet shop sales and recordkeeping (Section 3.8)

    • Pet shop operators and dog dealers may offer for sale only if the animal is obtained from an in-state or out-of-state facility/shelter/breeder that complies with 3.9 or 3.10.
    • Requires pet shops to maintain records for 2 years, including source details and documentation of compliance.
    • Violations could result in a prohibition on selling the dog or cat.

  • Professional breeders (Section 3.10 new)

    • Sets rigorous standards for professional breeders, effective in stages:
    • Enclosure space: initial standard through December 31, 2027; tightened space requirements (increased floor space per dog) and improvements to flooring and enclosure design.
    • Breeding practices and veterinary care: pre-breeding health checks, annual veterinary exams, dental and physical assessments, rest between litters, vaccination and parasite control, and veterinary-record retention.
    • Animal care: continuous or supervised daily exercise and socialization; retirement of non-breeding dogs; placement efforts if retiring a dog; maintenance of veterinary and care records for 2 years after ceasing ownership.
    • Enforcement and remedies: allows injunctive relief for harmed individuals, pre-action notice to breeders, cure opportunities, and attorney’s fees to the prevailing party.
    • DFPR oversight and funding: Department obligations under this section are subject to appropriation.

Who is affected

  • Professional breeders, defined as entities with more than 5 breeding females licensed under the federal Animal Welfare Act.
  • Pet shop operators and dog dealers who sell dogs/cats in Illinois (and those sourcing from out-of-state facilities).
  • Animal shelters and animal control facilities, including those that operate or partner with shelters for intake and adoption.
  • Veterinarians and veterinary clinics involved in breeding oversight and annual exams.
  • The Illinois Department of Agriculture (and DFPR for professional breeder provisions), with scope and funding contingent on appropriations.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The professional breeder provisions introduce phased requirements:
    • Some enclosure space and facility standards apply progressively, with a notable milestone on December 31, 2027.
  • Records and reporting: pet shops must submit biannual reports (May 1 and November 1) and maintain records for 2 years.
  • Enforcement: actions may be pursued for violation of professional breeder provisions, including injunctions and damages; a cure period precedes some enforcement actions.
  • Funding: implementation depends on legislative appropriations to the relevant departments.

Note: This summary reflects the introduced language as of the 104th General Assembly and does not account for amendments or changes that may occur during floor debates or committee amendments.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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