A new state law that will take effect on New Year's Day requires pet stores to give potential buyers the details of every animal's health history.
The Illinois Department of Agriculture said the new law will require that stores provide an animal's vaccination history and other details about its health. Stores also will have to disclose the name of the breeder as well as the animal's date of birth, breed and other details.
The department said stores now must disclose such information only if it is requested and sometimes don't provide it until a sale is final.
Animal advocates say they hope the new law will cut down on the number of puppy mills in the state. The law makes allowances for animal shelters and animal control facilities that often don't know an animal's history.
Gov. Pat Quinn signed the legislation in August.
