Avelar Encourages Community to Participate in Adopt a Shelter Dog Awareness Month

BOLINGBROOK, Ill. – Following the recent passage of the Humane Pet Store, state Rep. Dagmara “Dee” Avelar, D-Bolingbrook, wants to bring attention to Adopt a Shelter Dog Awareness Month.

“Puppy mills are inhumane because they favor profits over the health of the animal,” Avelar said. “There are many dogs and cats looking for their forever homes in shelters, where many of them are there for months. It is very difficult to see shelters overcrowded and under-funded; the Human Pet Store Bill will combat puppy mills and assist shelters in more adoptions.”

Avelar helped pass the Humane Pet Store Bill, House Bill 1711, which prohibits pet stores from selling commercially-bred kittens and puppies in an attempt to crack down on puppy mills. Reducing the profit-power of puppy mill breeders allows for more shelter adoptions and better living-conditions for animals. Governor J.B. Pritzker signed this legislation into law in late August.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), 6.3 million animals enter animal shelters every year in the United States and 920,000 animals in these shelters are euthanized. There are strong incentives for those who adopt at shelters such as low-costs, including veterinary care and microchipping.

“This October, I encourage everyone to reach out to their local humane society or animal control center in search of their forever companion,” Avelar said. “I will be working hard with my colleagues to pass legislation that will directly penalize puppy mill breeders.”

For more information on the adoption process, please visit https://www.willcountyhumane.com/ or https://www.dupageco.org/animalservices/