Executive Order Number 14-09

Executive Order Number 14-09 (PDF, 174 KB)

Executive Order Establishing the Illinois Pet Advocacy Task Force

WHEREAS, the State of Illinois has an obligation to protect the overall health and safety of domestic pets;

WHEREAS, over half of Illinois households own a pet and are invested in the health and welfare of those animals; and

WHEREAS, pets in Illinois deserve proper care and adequate living conditions whether housed in breeding facilities, animal control facilities, shelters, kennels, pet stores or private homes; and

WHEREAS, for the sixth consecutive year, the Animal Legal Defense Fund has ranked Illinois as holding strong as the top jurisdiction for animal protection; and

WHEREAS, youth participation is essential to understanding and protecting the overall health and safety of domestic pets; and

THEREFORE, I, Pat Quinn, Governor of the State of Illinois, pursuant to the supreme executive authority vested in me by Article V, Section 8 of the Illinois State Constitution of 1970, hereby order as follows:

1. CREATION
   

   There is hereby created the Illinois Pet Advocacy Task Force (the “Task Force”) having the duties and powers set forth herein. The Task Force shall be appointed by the Governor and consist of no more than 15 members who are residents of the State of Illinois representing public and private organizations with an interest in ensuring the welfare of pets across the state.

   The Governor shall select the chair of the Task Force. The Task Force members shall serve on the Task Force without compensation for a term of 12 months. The Governor may fill any vacancies when they occur.

   There is also created within the Task Force a Student Advisory Committee to advise the Task Force on domestic pet safety issues from a youth perspective. Upon the recommendation of the Governor, the Student Advisory Committee shall be designated by the chair of the Task Force and consist of no more than 15 members who are Illinois elementary, middle, or high school students with an interest in ensuring the welfare of pets across the state. The Student Advisory Committee members shall serve without compensation for a term of one school year. Upon the recommendation of the Governor, the chair of the Task Force may fill any vacancies when they occur.

2. PURPOSE
   

   The purpose of the Task Force shall be to study issues of animal cruelty, neglect and abuse and make recommendations that will ensure proper treatment and care of Illinois pets. The Task Force shall:

1. Conduct a comprehensive review of the animal cruelty and welfare laws in Illinois; and
   
2. Examine the laws regulating pet shops, catteries, kennels, dog dealers, animal control facilities, shelters, and foster homes in Illinois;
   
3. Analyze the reporting requirements for pet shops, catteries, kennels, dog dealers, animal control facilities, shelters, and foster homes in Illinois;
   
4. Discuss animal shelter rescue efforts and interstate transportation of rescued pets; and
   
5. Analyze current spay/neuter programs and ways to encourage participation in the various programs;
   
6. Assess current levels of state funding for the enforcement of pet welfare laws and regulations and consider alternative funding sources; and
   
7. Prepare a final report to the Governor and the General Assembly making specific recommendations to improve the health, safety, and welfare of pets across Illinois.
   
3. FUNCTION
   

   The responsibilities of the Commission shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

   1. The Illinois Department of Agriculture shall provide administrative support to the Task Force as needed, including providing an ethics officer, an Open Meetings Act officer, and a Freedom of Information Act officer.
      
   2. The Task Force shall hold at least 4 meetings throughout the State, but otherwise shall meet at the call of the chair.
      
   3. The Task Force shall submit its final report to the Governor and the General Assembly within 12 months of the issuance of this Order.
      
   4. Upon submission of its final report the Task Force shall be dissolved.
      
4. TRANSPARENCY
   

   In addition to whatever policies or procedures it may adopt, all operations of the Task Force will be subject to the provisions of the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.) and the Illinois Open Meetings Act (5 ILCS 120/1 et seq.).

5. SEVERABILITY
   

   If any provision of this Executive Order is found invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

6. EFFECTIVE DATE
   

   This Executive Order shall take effect immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State.

Pat Quinn
Governor of Illinois

Issued by the Governor:
Filed with the Secretary of State: