HR0866 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0866 LRB094 19408 RSP 55104 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Attacks by vicious and dangerous dogs are a threat to the public health of the State of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Attacks against vulnerable residents and companion animals are being reported to law enforcement officials and animal control officers; and

WHEREAS, at least 7 separate bills to amend the Animal Control Act and protect Illinoisans against the threat of dog attacks are currently under consideration by the General Assembly; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that the General Assembly take comprehensive action to ensure the safety of the residents of this State; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that the House Committee on Local Government hold subject matter hearings during the 2006 Spring session of this General Assembly concerning dangerous and vicious dogs, and matters related to the Animal Control Act; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Committee on Local Government is urged to convene hearings to examine the issue, gather expert testimony from qualified representatives familiar with animal control issues and from the Department of Public Health, and propose solutions that will better safeguard and protect the residents of Illinois against vicious and dangerous dog attacks; and be it further

RESOLVED, That an Animal Control Task Force be appointed to examine the Animal Control Act and make comprehensive written recommendations for change; the Task Force shall have 9 members, including: a representative of the Bureau of Animal Welfare within the Department of Agriculture, as designated by the Director of the Department; the Director of Public Health, or his or her designee; 2 representatives appointed by the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association, one of whom must be a county animal control administrator; a representative appointed by the Illinois Farm Bureau; a representative appointed by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA); a representative appointed by the Illinois States' Attorneys Association; and 2 representatives appointed by the County Animal Controls of Illinois, one of whom must represent the greater Chicago metropolitan area and one of whom must represent downstate Illinois; staffs of both the House Legislative Leaders assigned to the House Local Government Committee shall provide staff support to the Task Force as necessary; the Task Force shall hold at least 3 hearings, which shall each be held in geographically separate regions of the State, and shall present a written report to the House of Representatives no later than January 1, 2007; the Task Force members shall receive no compensation, and the Task Force shall conclude all business by February 1, 2007.