Illinois
Updates about legal issues facing animals in the state
The Animal Legal Defense Fund works at the federal, state and local levels to protect the lives and advance the interests of animals.
Animal Protection Laws Ranking
Each year, the Animal Legal Defense Fund publishes its U.S. State Animal Protection Laws Rankings Report. Each state is ranked based on 20 different categories of animal protection.
Illinois
Overall Rank: #3 (Top Tier)
Animal Protection Laws of Illinois
The Animal Protection Laws of Illinois compendium contains the general animal protection and related statutes for Illinois with an effective date on or before September 1, 2023.
Legislative Session
Active Legislation
The Mink Facility Disease Prevention Act (Illinois)
S.B. 3262
This bill would phase out mink farming in Illinois until it’s fully banned in January 2025.
Active Cases
Urging Illinois Department of Agriculture to Enforce Laws Against Storefronts Sourcing Dogs from Puppy Mills
Complaint to Illinois Department of Agriculture submitted on June 6, 2024
The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed a complaint with the Illinois Department of Agriculture Bureau of Animal Health and Welfare urging it to investigate, suspend, and revoke the dog dealer licenses for six licensees.
Take Action
Take action now to help animals in your state.
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Stop Ag-Gag Laws
Undercover investigations and whistleblowers have exposed some of the worst aspects of factory farming, but Ag-Gag laws punish people who speak out about cruelty in animal agriculture. Voice your opposition.
No More Puppy Mills
Puppy mill operators maximize their profits by producing large numbers of puppies as quickly as possible. As a result, unsanitary conditions, disease, and neglect are rampant. Sign our pledge to boycott puppy mills. Together we can end cruel puppy mills.
Passing Local Legislation: Retail Pet Sale Ban
In this free webinar, we walk you through the basics of how to pass a retail pet sale bans in your community — a powerful way to fight back against puppy mills.
Passing Local Legislation: Prohibiting Animals in Circuses and Traveling Shows
This webinar will focus on passing a local prohibition on animals used in circuses and other traveling shows.
Recent Victories
Oppose: Bill Would Undermine State’s Retail Pet Sales Ban (Illinois)
An act concerning regulation (H.B. 4643)
Would jeopardize an important humane reform and once again enable pet stores to sell commercially bred puppies and kittens.
Animal Legal Defense Fund 2023 State Animal Protection Laws Ranking Report
See the best and worst states for animal protection laws