HR0364 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0364 LRB100 12557 MST 25742 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Studies in psychology, sociology, and criminology have demonstrated that violent offenders frequently have childhood and adolescent histories of serious and repeated cruelty towards companion animals; and

WHEREAS, Additionally, mental health professionals and top law enforcement officials consider the blatant disregard for life and suffering evidence by all forms of cruelty to companion animals to be an unquestionable warning sign of future violent behavior; and

WHEREAS, Intentional cruelty toward companion animals is of particular concern as it is a sign of psychological distress and often indicates an individual may be predisposed to committing acts of violence towards humans; and

WHEREAS, The American Psychiatric Association identifies cruelty to companion animals as one of the diagnostic criteria for conduct disorders; and

WHEREAS, Types of companion animal abuse include passive and active cruelty; and

WHEREAS, Passive cruelty is typified by cases of neglect such as starvation, lack of shelter, and failure to seek veterinary care; and

WHEREAS, Active cruelty is inflicted with deliberate intent to harm an animal creating immediate pain and suffering; and

WHEREAS, 70% of companion animals that are abused are dogs, and 20% are cats; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge the citizens of Illinois to educate themselves on the signs and types of companion animal cruelty so that they can report it when they see it; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge all owners of companion animals treat them with the utmost respect.