Carroll Works to Close Puppy Mill, Unethical Breeder Loophole

NORTHBROOK, Ill. – A bill introduced and advanced out of committee by state Rep. Jonathan Carroll, D-Northbrook, would close a loophole often exploited by puppy mills and unscrupulous breeders to profit from their activities at the expense of animal welfare.

“The vast majority of Illinoisans are united behind the idea that animals should not be abused and that those who try to profit from activities that are harmful to innocent creatures need to be stopped,” Carroll said. “What this bill is about is stopping a small minority of people from continuing to shamelessly inflict harm in their heedless rush to enrich themselves no matter the cost.”

Carroll’s House Bill 3236 would prohibit financing companies from offering or engaging in any type of installment loan or other loan transaction related to the sale or purchase of a companion animal. Companies that do enter into such loans would have no right under state law to enforce the agreement.

The bill is aimed at puppy mills and disreputable breeding operations which profit by selling companion animals at exorbitant prices. Because of the high prices such fly-by-night operations often charge, many purchasers take out a loan or pay in installments. Without the ability to enter into loans, abusive and unethical breeding operations would become less profitable, helping to discourage breeding practices in which animals are abused.

“Most Illinoisans—most people—already would never patronize the sort of places whose behavior this bill is aimed at addressing,” Carroll said. “Sadly, there are still a few out there who don’t see animals as living creatures, who see them as ‘things’ that don’t think or feel, or whose wellbeing doesn’t matter. Some decent folks may be unaware of the persistence of unethical breeders or may not have realized the importance of due diligence when selecting a breeder. It’s my hope that those people will get informed and stop contributing to this problem. For the rest, for those who just don’t care, they’re the reason for this bill. Every life has value and companion animals deserve to be treated humanely and with love. I’ll always keep working to ensure that their interests are looked out for.”

Carroll’s office is reachable at 847-229-5499 or ma@repcarroll.com.