Carroll Passes Bill Ending Puppy Mill, Unethical Breeder Loophole

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A bipartisan bill by state Rep. Jonathan Carroll, D-Northbrook, aimed at stopping the illicit trade in poorly-treated companion animals, is headed to the governor’s desk after being unanimously approved by the state Senate.

“For too long, puppy mills and fly-by-night breeders have been able to profit from keeping dogs and cats in neglectful and abusive conditions and selling them at inflated prices,” Carroll said. “That isn’t right and measures to disrupt this corrupt and immoral business model are long overdue.”

When it takes effect, House Bill 3236 will 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. The measure is aimed at disreputable animal providers who offer loans for consumers to buy animals who are often kept in abusive conditions and sold at exorbitant rates.

The bill passed the House in March with bipartisan support, and cleared the Senate unanimously in May. It now awaits the signature of Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

“As I said back when this bill advanced out of committee in March, the vast majority of people agree that animals should not be abused for profit,” Carroll said. “This bill targets a small minority of unscrupulous individuals who won’t stop mistreating animals as long as they can continue to line their pockets by doing so. Abusing animals is a crime, and crime shouldn’t pay.”

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