Moylan-Sponsored Legislation to Protect Animals from Fire Becomes Law

DES PLAINES, Ill. – Outraged by a tragedy where 31 dogs died overnight during a kennel fire, state Rep. Marty Moylan, D-Des Plaines, helped pass legislation to further protect animals in pet care facilities.

“Most of the time, pets become members of our family and we would do anything we could to protect our family,” said Moylan. “I am proud to have the opportunity to make a difference and protect our animals while in overnight pet care facilities.”

After the incident near West Chicago, Moylan was quick to act and co-sponsored legislation to protect dogs while in overnight pet care facilities. The Moylan-backed initiative requires all kennel operators to maintain a fire alarm system or a sprinkler system in every building that is used for housing animals, requires the State Fire Marshall and local fire inspectors to inspect kennel operators for compliance and provides stricter penalties to facilities for violations.

House Bill 3390 quickly passed the Illinois House and Senate with overwhelmingly bipartisan support and was signed into law early last week by Gov. J.B. Pritzker. 

“I applaud Governor Pritzker for signing this important bill into law,” said Moylan. “This law will ensure that kennel operators will be much safer for pets and rescues going forward.”