Illinois Proposes
Pet Warranties, Housing Standards
A bill introduced in January would impose broad new regulations
on pet stores and others who sell dogs or cats directly to the
public, except breeders who sell fewer than 25 dogs and cats
per year.
In addition to standard warranty provisions, House Bill 203
would allow pet buyers to receive a full refund or replacement
pet, plus reimbursement for reasonable veterinary fees, if
the pet dies—no matter how long after purchase—if:
• A veterinarian certifies that the animal died due to an
illness or a disease that existed on or before delivery to
the purchaser, or
• A veterinarian certifies that the animal died due to a
congenital or hereditary condition that was diagnosed by the
veterinarian within one year after the buyer obtained physical
possession of the animal from the pet dealer.
Also, under the proposed regulations, dealers would have
to:
• Provide a written statement at the time of sale with detailed
information about the animal’s origins, health status
and veterinary treatment.
• Provide either a signed statement that the animal has no
known disease or illness and no known congenital or hereditary
condition that adversely affects its health at the time of
sale or is likely to affect its health in the future, or provide
a record of any such disease, illness or congenital or hereditary
condition, along with a statement signed by a licensed veterinarian
that authorizes the sale of the animal.
• Orally disclose all medical information required in the
written statement.
• Maintain written records on the health and disposition
of every dog and cat for a least a year.
• Annually report to the Department of Agriculture the numbers
of dogs and cats sold or euthanized, and each animal’s
origin and disposition.
Under the standards of housing and care proposed, dealers
could not possess dogs or cats that are less than 8 weeks
of age. They also would be required to:
• Have each cat or dog examined by a veterinarian and tested
for brucellosis before placing them with any other animal.
• Cage any animal found to have a contagious disease separately
from other animals.
• Provide dogs with adequate exercise and socialization.
Socialization is defined as physical contact with other dogs
or human beings.
• Provide cats with a litter box and scratching post.
• Maintain either a fire-alarm system connected to a central
reporting station that will alert the local fire department
to a fire, or a fire-suppression sprinkler system.
• Provide veterinary care without delay when necessary.
The bill was assigned to the House Agriculture and Conservation
Committee. At press time, it was scheduled for a Feb. 21 hearing.
[April 2007 PET AGE]
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