SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin’s bill to ensure pet’s basic needs are met if an owner has been arrested for an untethered animal has been signed into law.
“This law makes sure a person’s pet is in proper care if the owner commits a tethering offense,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “If something goes wrong and a pet is mistreated, this process will be safer for the animal and the community.”
Previous law allowed a law enforcement officer making an arrest for an offense involving a companion animal to take possession of that animal, or other pets the alleged offender owns, for impoundment at an animal shelter or animal control in order to meet their basic needs. Halpin’s law will add dog tethering to the list of offenses that would allow an officer to impound the companion animal.
“Pets are a big responsibility,” said Halpin. “Laws like this ensure folks are taking care of their pets the right way.”
Senate Bill 2892 was signed into law on Friday.
