Submitted by Peoria County Animal Protection Services
Many pet owners don’t realize that laws exist that govern our ownership of companion and domestic animals. Regardless of where you live, animal control and humane care for animal laws affect how you must care for your pet and farm animals.
State laws cover many situations regarding animals, but local laws can be stricter. It’s best to investigate what regulations exist in your own area regarding animals — hopefully before obtaining a pet. It’s good to keep a few regulations in mind that apply universally throughout the state of Illinois.
Rabies vaccination and registration
In Illinois, all dogs four months of age or older must receive an annual (or triennial) rabies vaccination. State law requires that a licensed veterinarian must administer rabies vaccines. Upon vaccination, you must obtain a county rabies tag and, in most counties, pay a registration fee. Many Illinois counties also require that cats over four months of age be currently vaccinated for rabies and registered. Be sure to check with your county official to determine if it’s required in your area.
If you’re moving or traveling out of state, be sure your rabies vaccinations are up to date. All states require rabies vaccinations for dogs and many require them for cats as well. Some states require health certificates if crossing state lines — Illinois does. Remember, don’t put the rabies tag in a drawer; put it on your pet’s collar. A dog or cat with a rabies tag can find its way home with a simple phone call. Pets wearing rabies tags receive veterinary care if found injured.
If your pet — any kind of pet — bites a person, you’re required to report that bite immediately to local law enforcement or animal control agency. Owners of animals that have bitten will have to comply with quarantine requirements, which depend upon the vaccination history and species of the pet.
Running Loose
The Illinois Animal Control Act covers the entire state and allows for impoundment of a dog running loose. Most communities have animal control agencies that respond to calls of straying or loose dogs and may issue tickets for violations or impound the loose dog. Some communities also have prohibitions against cats roaming
off their owner’s property as well — it’s a good idea to check with your local government to see what laws may be in place.
Animals that get impounded by animal control require a fee from the owner to be reclaimed. State law also requires that any dog that is impounded by animal control get microchipped at the owner’s expense. Another section of our state law requires that any dog impounded a second time must be neutered or spayed within 30 days of reclaim.
Humane Care for Animals
The Humane Care for Animals Act sets forth “owner’s duties” which outlines what every owner must provide for their companion animal. Owners must offer “sufficient quantity of good quality, wholesome food and water, adequate shelter and protection from the weather, veterinary care when needed to prevent suffering, and humane care and treatment.” Our humane care laws were recently amended to include restrictions regarding tethering dogs; if you tie or chain your dog outdoors, you must now comply with certain conditions.
The state laws regarding humane care also define cruelty, aggravated cruelty, and torture. Violations of this law can result in felony convictions and penalties. These laws typically refer to dog-fighting or other outright animal abuse.
Other Animal Laws
Other state laws that could affect animal owners include the Dead Animal Disposal Act, the Domestic Animals (livestock) Running at Large Act, and the Criminal Code. Illinois’ law does prohibit the private pet ownership of some exotic and dangerous animals, so before purchasing a wild animal as a pet, be sure to check to ensure your choice is allowed. Check out which species of pets or animals may not be allowed in your town, village, or city. Too many times, a citizen gets a pet — pygmy goat, pot-bellied pig, rabbits, or even fowl — only to find they must get rid of them.
You can access state laws on the web at www.ilga.gov. It’s imperative, though, that you also check with your county and municipal laws as they may be much more restrictive. You must comply with local ordinances in addition to statewide laws. With a little research, you’ll be in a much better position to provide for your pet and avoid violating laws or ordinances. Peoria county ordinances can be seen at https://www.municode.com/library/il/peoria_county/
For more information visit Peoria County Animal Protection Services at www.peoriacounty.org/pcaps, or call 309 672-2440 for more information.