Owner / Guardian Duties
Have a Heart. Be Responsible!

"If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures  from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men" ~ St. Francis of Assisi

Animal Legal Defense Fund  takes direct legal action to protect animals from exploitation and abuse.   Works to establish legal rights for animals.

Much ado about "responsible dog ownership" it's more than just being kind to your dog.

Our dogs, our responsibilities.  An ounce of prevention beats a pound of cure.

What is responsible dog ownership?

Be a responsible dog owner.

The GUARDIAN campaign

Animal Welfare in Illinois

Gracie's Safe Harbor  -  Resources to help abused, abandoned, ill, feral and forgotten cats and dogs

Illinois Cruelty to Animals Statutes - Humane Care (partial list below) or click here for the entire contents

70/3. Owner's duties

3. Each owner shall provide for each of his animals: (a) sufficient quantity  of good quality, wholesome food and water; (b) adequate shelter and protection from the weather; (c) veterinary care when needed to prevent suffering; and (d) humane care and treatment.

70/3.01. Cruel treatment

3.01. No person or owner may beat, cruelly treat, torment, starve, overwork or otherwise abuse any animal. No owner may abandon any animal where it may become a public charge or may suffer injury, hunger or exposure.

70/3.02. Aggravated cruelty

3.02. Aggravated cruelty. No person may intentionally commit an act that causes a companion animal to suffer serious injury or death. Aggravated cruelty does not include euthanasia of a companion animal through recognized methods approved by the Department of Agriculture.

70/3.03. Animal torture

3.03. Animal torture.

(a) A person commits animal torture when that person without legal justification knowingly or intentionally tortures an animal. For purposes of this Section, and subject to subsection (b), "torture" means infliction of or subjection to extreme physical pain, motivated by an intent to increase or prolong the pain, suffering, or agony of the animal.