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CITY OF WEST CHICAGO
PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
ITEM TITLE: AGENDANO. __&-C.
Ordinance No. 19-O-0006
Amending Chapter 11, Article II, Division 6, AFFECTING FILE NO.
ANIMALS of the West Chicago Code of Ordinances
AGENDA DATE: March 25, 2019
COUNCIL AGENDA DATE: April 1, 2019
STAFF REVIEW: Michael Uplegger, Chief of Police SIGNATURE
APPROVED BY CITY ADMINISTRATOR: Michael Guttman
SIGNATURE
ITEM SUMMARY:
A significant number of puppies and kittens sold at pet shops come from large-scale, commercial breeding facilities
where the health and welfare of the animals are not adequately provided for (“puppy mills” and “kitten mills,”
respectively).
According to The Humane Society of the United States, it is estimated that 10,000 puppy mills produce more than
2,400,000 puppies a year in the United States and that most pet shop dogs and cats come from puppy mills and
kitten mills.
The inhumane conditions in puppy and kitten mill facilities lead to health and behavioral issues in the animals bred
in those facilities, which many consumers are unaware of when purchasing animals from pet shops due to both a
lack of education on the issue and misleading tactics of pet shops in some cases. These health and behavioral issues,
which may not present themselves until sometime after the purchase of the animals, can impose exorbitant financial
and emotional costs on consumers.
Current Federal, State and County regulations do not properly address the sale of puppy and kitten mill dogs and cats
in pet shops. Therefore, staff would like to revise the City Code regarding animals to include prohibiting the sale of
puppy and kitten mill animals. Prohibiting the retail sale of puppies and kittens is likely to decrease the demand for
puppies and kittens bred in puppy and kitten mills, and will hopefully increase the demand for animals from animal
shelters and rescue organizations.
ACTIONS PROPOSED:
Staff recommends adoption of Ordinance No. 19-O-0006.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
The Public Affairs Committee recommends adoption of Ordinance No. 19-O-0006.