Quinn Signs Anti-Puppy Mill Law

Sure, he's got lots to worry about, what with all manner of associates jumping his gubernatorial ship, but Gov. Pat Quinn still managed to set aside some time and resources for all our four-legged friends: just yesterday he signed a new Illinois law mandating all pet stores and animal shelters release extensive breeder and medical information for each pet up for sale or adoption. Amid the scores of adoptable dogs and cats PAWS Chicago spotlighted during a streetside adoption fair in Bucktown, Quinn signed the law not only to protect owners from fraudulent animal breeding and sales, but also to set a special precedent for the humane treatment of specifically bred pets, saying, 'We don't want anybody buying an animal that has been inhumanely treated before its sale, and unfortunately that has existed.'

Versus the existing law on the matter, the new regulation emphasizes up-front disclosure of each animal's treatment and health prior to its placement in a facility, posted on each pet's cage and distributed in adoption forms, ensuring each pet owner ample opportunity to look into the background of his or her pet of choice before taking that new puppy or kitten home.

Unsurprisingly met with some contention from the likes of Chuck Hartke, consultant for the eternally besmirched Petland chain of pet stores, arguing it could possibly run his clients our of business, the new law, the first of its kind in the nation, takes effect January 1. Disobeying the new regulation could carry a fine of up to $1000 along with mandatory probation.