Thanks to Sirius Cooks in Oak Park (and Facebook) I made a quick and easy phone call this morning to state legislator Lisa Dugan (217-782-5981). My only message, which was presumably recorded along with my name and city by the person who answered the phone, was to request a no vote to House Bill 1080. This proposed change to Illinois law would remove the state-wide ban on breed specific legislation (BSL).
Illinois is one of the most animal-friendly states in our nation. We do not support or allow BSL. We allow for a felony classification for animal abuse and do on occasion (not often enough, of course) hold people accountable to that degree. It has made me proud to call Illinois my home for the last 11 years and has given me (apparently a false) sense of security knowing that our dogs, at least, would be safe.
As a resident of Illinois; caretaker to two loving and lovable pit bulls; and a firm believer in addressing the cause of a problem not the result, I cannot let this vote be taken without having my voice heard. You must take one minute, 60 seconds, between now and Monday to do the same. Lisa Dugan (217-782-5981): "No to HB 1080."
For a more extensive, thoughtfully written article, refer to this one in the News-Gazette. (And good luck finding coverage elsewhere - I couldn't find a Tribune or Sun Times article on this topic anywhere online.)
Excellent - thanks, T2.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't realized you were in Illinois, too, but I'll definitely give a call this weekend!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this - BSL sucks and should never have been started in the first place. Hopefully, Illinois won't cave like other states have.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully said (and the kissing pitties is the perfect photo to support your words). That article you link to is great too. I had no idea that Illinois had such progressive animal-welfare laws. I hope they continue on that path. The current laws should serve as a model for the rest of the country.
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