Governor Quinn took some time on Wednesday to sign new legislation that will help owners find their lost pets.
The new law requires animal control centers to scan pets for implanted microchips twice -- once within 24 hours of the pet entering the facility and again before the animal can be adopted, transferred to another facility or put down.
Pounds must also make other efforts to identify the owner of a lost pet within 24 hours of the animal entering a pound.
“For people throughout Illinois, pets are family members and their loss is grieved like that of a loved one,” Quinn said in a statement. “This legislation will ensure animal facilities throughout the state make every effort to return pets to their rightful owners and reduce the number of shelter animals that are needlessly euthanized each year.”
This isn't the first time Quinn has taken action to protect the pets of Illinois.
Last year, the governor signed legislation that required the addition of a bitter flavor to antifreeze and coolant to prevent animals from drinking the liquids, which normally have sweet flavors and can poison a pet.
“The governor should be commended for his pet advocacy,” Department of Agriculture Director Tom Jennings said of the new legislation.
The new lost pets law passed the General Assembly unanimously and will take effect on Jan 1.
