As of August 6, 2019, Illinois is the first state to require fire protection for pets kept in kennels and other boarding facilities.[1] House Bill 3390 amended the Illinois Animal Welfare Act to require that all kennel operators install a fire alarm monitoring system that triggers notification to local emergency responders, unless the kennel is staffed at all times.  If a kennel is found in violation, they can face a fine of $500 for a first offense, $1,500 for a second offense, and $2,500 and the loss of their license for a third offense.

The bill, which passed through the Senate unanimously and through the House by a vote of 95 to 16, is set to take effect on January 1, 2020.  The new law was enacted in response to a recent fire that took the lives of over 30 dogs in West Chicago.  Illinois law makers are hoping to give its resident peace of mind and ensure that pets are safe at all times when kept at a kennel. Governor Pritzker went on to say, “we’re putting safety first and making sure the tragedy that West Chicago experienced in January will never happen again.”[2]

For more information regarding animal welfare laws or other matters, contact Sherer Law Offices at (618) 692-6656.

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[1]http://ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?GA=101&SessionID=108&DocTypeID=HB&DocNum=3390

[2]https://www.wandtv.com/news/new-law-requires-fire-protection-for-pets-in-kennels/article_564156fe-

b8ba-11e9-a664-73ecde2a0b7b.html