Join the ASPCA in thanking these two forward-thinking state legislators in sponsoring legislation that bans felons from having dogs older than three months old.

Thanks to Cara, Darwin’s furmom, for barking this one in!

Here’s the link to the petition.

Here’s what the petition site says about it:

An innovative law that took effect January 1, 2007 will prevent dogs from being used as weapons.

Gang members, who are often legally prohibited from owning armed weapons, frequently use dogs as weapons to intimidate community members. This novel law was developed as a solution to protect the public from dangerous dogs, while also keeping the best interests of dogs at heart.

Public Act 94-0818 will make it a misdemeanor for a person convicted of a felony to own, possess, have custody of, or reside with an un-neutered dog older than 12 weeks of age, or any dog deemed “vicious” under the Illinois Animal Control Act.

“Dogs are wonderful companions and great protectors in many situations,” stated State Representative Jerry Mitchell. “They were never meant to be used as a weapon to protect or defend illegal activities.”

Please join the ASPCA in thanking Rep. Jerry Mitchell and Sen. William Haine for sponsoring this extremely important public and animal safety bill.