Supporters of The Pet Overpopulation and Safety Ordinance Outnumbered Opponents 2 to 1

Ordinance would ensure Chicago is one of the most humane cities in the nation

On Tuesday, July 29, Chicago City Hall received a tremendous turnout for The Pet Overpopulation and Safety Ordinance, introduced by Alderman Ed Burke, Chairman of the Finance Committee and Alderman Rugai. Hundreds of private citizens, including renown spay/neuter advocate Bob Barker, showed up to rally support. If passed, the ordinance would require pet owners in the city of Chicago to spay/neuter their cats and dogs once they are six months of age. Please read the Frequently Asked Questions as there are many exemptions.

Due to overwhelming interest on both sides, the hearing went on for more than four hours. As a result, the hearing will be continued at a later date.

        

Bob Barker, who has demonstrated his personal commitment by donating millions of dollars for spay/neuter services, including $1 million to Northwestern University’s School of Law to endow a course devoted to animal rights law, led the parade of speakers in support of the ordinance.

Background
The ordinance is so important because ultimately, it will improve the safety of our community. Dog bite incidents are the second highest cause of emergency room visits by children and almost always by un-fixed animals. Last year in Chicago, 2,174 dog bites were reported. This is a problem that we must work to solve.

In addition to safety, the ordinance is the humane way of tackling Chicago’s overwhelming pet overpopulation and stray problem. Every year, thousands of pets are caged and killed at Chicago’s Animal Care & Control at great financial expense to taxpayers. Inhumane “backyard breeders” have found a profit-center in exploiting pets that are often used in dogfighting, other illegal activities or simply given up when no longer wanted.

Many backyard breeders keep pets in inhumane conditions and are not registered or inspected. This ordinance will require registration of breeders and a mechanism to monitor that breeders engage in safe and humane practices.

The ordinance is modeled after a similar Los Angeles ordinance that recently passed this summer and is scheduled to begin enforcement in the city on Oct. 1, 2008. Similar legislation has passed in Dallas, San Antonio and Palm Beach County. The proposed Pet Overpopulation and Safety Ordinance will help Chicago become one of the most humane cities is in the nation.

Continue to show your support!
This ordinance has not yet passed. We need as many people as possible to continue showing their support of this important legislation.

Email or send in your own copy of the letter below to the Aldermen on the Finance & Licensing Committee today!

Please click here for a copy of the letter. Please also call every Alderman on this list - they need to hear from you.

For the Finance & Licensing Committee list, click here or click here to find your alderman.