Dangerous dog laws get a makeover

A new ordinance designed to increase penalties for guardians of dangerous dogs went into effect April 11. The old law stated that people with dangerous dogs who failed to take measures, such as purchasing insurance, posting warning signs, and surrendering the dog to the city after a bite incident, could be charged with a small fine, of between $100 and $300. The new proposal includes fines up to $5,000 for anyone found guilty of animal cruelty or animal fighting. It also includes a $1,000 fine and jail time up to six months for those who fail to comply in dangerous dog investigations. Finally, it requires microchipping for any dog or cat that is impounded as a stray, removed for neglect, or for dangerous animal or cruelty investigation and requires that a responsible adult control any animal declared dangerous.
“This is an important substitute ordinance for addressing problems of public safety and resource allocation posed by dangerous animals and their [guardians],” says Cynthia Bathurst, co-chair of Dog Advisory Work Group. “It gives Chicago’s Animal Care and Control the authority to act swiftly and decisively on behalf of the animals involved and the citizens of Chicago. Increased fines provide an incentive for compliance and a revenue source for the City to cover the costs associated with problems.”
The fact that the law includes all dogs deemed dangerous and is not breed-specific is of particular interest to members of the animal community, says Bathurst. “D.A.W.G. applauds effective remedies for irresponsible dog [guardians], criminals, dangerous dogs, roaming dogs, and victims of dog attacks; incentives and rewards for responsible guardianship and effective, fair controls; opportunities for educating people and training dogs; and affordable resources for responsible guardians. We do not advise or support breed-specific legislation, including measures that target whatever is the current ‘popular’ choice of dog for weapons or protection.”

Durbin holds briefing on pet food contamination

In response to the Menu Foods pet food recall, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) is calling for action to improve the regulation of our pet food inspection system. Durbin along with Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI), announced in a press conference in Chicago’s northside neighborhood of Wicker Park on Thursday, April 5, that a congressional oversight hearing on the ongoing investigation would happen as soon as Congress reconvened the following week. FDA officials will be questioned on the timeline of the investigation, the source of the contamination, and the agency’s regulatory and inspection responsibilities. According to Dr. Elizabeth Robertson of the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association, it could be several weeks to months to determine the cause of the contaminated food as well as the scope of its impact. At the time of press, the FDA reported only 16 animal deaths due to the poisoning, but some sources say the numbers go into the thousands.
“This was a breakdown and a failure,” says Durbin. “We can do a better job in Washington.”
Durbin wants to establish penalties for companies that delay reporting to the FDA (some reports say that Menu Foods may have known about possible contamination of their products as far back as December, but did not contact the FDA until March 15). In addition, he wants to require the FDA to work with the states to establish a standardized set of regulations and inspection requirements. Finally, Durbin would like to see the FDA create a better system of information sharing that would allow state veterinarians, pet guardians, and others to alert the organization of possible contaminations. To contact Senator Durbin, call his office at (312) 353-4952. For more information on the pet food recall, visit FDA.gov.

Legislative Alert: Doggie dining bill

A bill that would make it legal for restaurants in cities in Illinois with populations over one million to allow dogs to dine outside with their guardians has passed in the state Senate and is currently waiting in the House. SB 341 requires restaurants to control where dogs are allowed in order to comply with health and safety codes, and dogs would still not be allowed inside establishments. The bill also does not include service animals, which are already allowed on the premises of privately owned businesses under the Americans with Disabilities Act. To learn more about the bill, visit Ilga.gov.

Bill S.394/H.R.661

A new bill was recently introduced to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives that aims to put an end to the inhumane treatment of diseased or old livestock in slaughterhouses around the country. The Bill, S.394/H.R.661 or The Downed Animal and Food Safety Protection Act, will prohibit the approval of meat from “downed” or unhealthy animals for distribution and will also require slaughterhouses to use euthanasia on animals that are unable stand or walk. The bill is a response to past cases of mad cow disease as well as a criticism of the inhumane treatment of livestock at slaughterhouses from groups such as the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). It also aims to prevent the distribution of meat from animals labeled as “downed” that are more likely to carry diseases or bacteria and would also help strengthen restrictions against cruelty to animals. For more information on the legislation or to voice your opinion to your local congressmen through an online petition letter, visit the ASPCA’s website at Aspca.org. —C. Warner Sills

Bill S.714/H.R. 1280

A bill aimed at ending the use of dogs and cats for laboratory research is currently being considered for passage in Congress. The federal Pet Safety and Protection Act or Bill S.714/H.R.1280 aims to prohibit the selling of dogs and cats to be used for scientific researchers by Class B Dealers who often acquire the animals through illegal practices. These dealers often obtain the animals illegally by responding to “looking for a loving home” ads in the newspaper or sometimes stealing animals. If passed the federal act will prohibit unlicensed individuals from doing business with labs, thereby preventing more inhumane acts. While it does not fully address the often-criticized use of animals for scientific research and testing, the legislation will outlaw the use of deception and inhumane actions to round up animals. To learn more about it or to help support its passage through an online petition letter to your local senators and representatives, visit the ASPCA’s website at Aspca.org. —C. Warner Sills

Spotlight on: Ian Cahr, animal welfare entrepreneur

In many ways, Ian Cahr is a typical 7-year-old. He loves sports, Star Wars, and hanging out with his friends. But he also runs his own business, which donates 100 percent of its profits to New Leash on Life, a Chicago-based organization that rescues dogs from shelters where they are at-risk for euthanasia.
Inspired by his neighbor, a board member at NLOL, Cahr and a friend made keychains out of pipecleaners and plastic pony beads and sold them on the sidewalk last summer. All of the funds raised were donated to the rescue organization. After Cahr told the people at Kiehl’s Chicago about his endeavors, the store offered to host a trunk show for him. Ian’s Bead Company held its first fundraiser in December 2006, where it raised more than $300.
Since then, he has gathered a group of about 10 friends who became so interested in his project that they have been helping him create goods for the next sale. The kids held another trunk show on Valentine’s Day, where they raised more than $400, and they are planning another fundraiser for Mother’s Day on May 5.
“We have two craft parties planned,” says Jill Cahr, Ian’s mother. “Parents come over to help get the crafts ready, but the kids really run the whole sale. They do all of the advertising. Ian goes to stores and asks them to hang up posters before the sale. He tells everyone about it. He’s very proud of what he’s doing, and he should be.”
The upcoming event will feature a wider spread of goods, focused on gifts mothers can enjoy. Botanicals, a local floral design shop, has donated vases and flower pots that the children are decorating and will be selling alongside stationary, greeting cards, and their regular jewelry, keychains, and hair accessories.
Jill says Ian’s Bead Company has inspired other children to give back to the community. “The most important thing is that it’s not only Ian, but he has inspired other kids,” she says. “They spend a lot of time and effort making all their products and running the sale.”
His efforts have also influenced members of his first grade class who also want to help animals.
“I inspired two people in my class to start a magazine,” Ian says. “They sell them for a dollar and donate the money to the Anti-Cruelty Society.”

Ian’s Bead Company will hold its Mother’s Day trunk show at Kiehl’s on May 5th (Kiehl's, 907 W. Armitage).