Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker recently signed in a new state law to protect dogs and cats from deadly kennel fires. The legislation, which took effect immediately, requires staff to be on-site at kennels at all times or to have alarms that alert local fire departments in the event of a fire, as well as working sprinkler systems.
State Rep. Diana Pappas and Senator Donald DeWitte both introduced kennel bills following a deadly fire which killed 29 dogs in Carol Stream, Illinois in January; this law is a combination of both bills.
Although there were reportedly working fire alarms installed at the kennel where the blaze occurred, nobody was there to hear them. Owner Garrett Mercado was off-site when the fire broke out.
“This commonsense law will protect pets from senseless tragedies and further our state’s commitment to animal welfare,” said Governor Pritzker in a statement. “We’re putting safety first and making sure the tragedy that West Chicago experienced in January will never happen again.”
During the investigation, authorities discovered serious welfare issues and overcrowding within the kennel. Police charged Mercado with 14 counts of animal cruelty and 14 counts of violation of owner’s duties.
A Lady Freethinker petition calling for justice for the dogs burned alive has already garnered more than 31,000 signatures.
Thank you to the sponsors and supporters of this new bill, and Governor Pritzky for signing it into law to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. We hope other states take note and follow suit.
“Today’s legislation is a win for dog and cat owners across Illinois, who can now rest assured that if they have to leave their beloved pets at a kennel, they will be protected in the event of a fire,” said Pappas. “With this law, Illinois becomes the first state in the nation to extend these kennel fire protections to our furry family members.”
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I cannot even imagine the horror these poor animals went through prior to BURNING TO DEATH!!! My God, such unimaginable pain and suffering!!! And the horrific conditions of the kennel these poor animals endured prior to burning to death …. horrifying, disgraceful and completely appalling!!!
All animal shelter facilities should be updated with prevention in mind. These precious animals didn’t ask to be there to start with. Please help the voiceless!
mr. Berlin throw the book at this bastard who ran this kennel with such deplorable conditions. He should be in jail for at least ten years after what he did to these beautiful animals and walking off the property when the fire broke out. this is reprehensible and he should never own animals again
Petitions work! It sometimes feels like we’re slogging, but clearly, the government’ of Canada and the U. S. are starting to get the message. Animals are sentient beings like we are. They have feelings and emotions and intelligence. We have to be their Voices, but they’re intelligent,and compassionate companions.
The old, archaic attitudes about animals have to go. This is good progress.
Keep signing!!
Possibly more states will follow and definitely should follow with these rules. Why people want to see animals caged in kennels is beyond me – why have them – you obviously don’t want them. Take some responsibilities people and wake up – these animals need to be protected and try to imagine for a moment what the hell the end of the lives for these poor dogs were that burnt to death – just imagine it!!!!!!!! Don’t just read the words – think about the smell, the burning hair and flesh, think about the crying and screaming – just think what humans did here to cause the demise of these poor dog – pretty hard to look in the mirror if you were part of this senseless event.
If buildings have to have these for humans then it is a definite need for animals.
Why are we hunting these poor animals who gives us the right to kill them isn’t there enough violence in this world how do you look yourself on the mirror and know you took some poor animals life you should be ashamed of yourselves karma will come back on you
Thank heavens!!
It is moral and right having compassion for all living things. Humans are a curse on the Planet.
This is why kennels are sooooo bad!!!! Most of the animals are left unattended alot! Why have a pet if you are goin to kennel them? Harsher punishments!
My heart breaks for these poor innocent babies that burned alive. I hope every city passes this law