[Pinehaven]

This is what is on the horizon for any one who breeds ... I don't care if you have 2 females or 20 females. If we sit passively and ignore what's happening, these new laws are going to hit us all eventually and no one will be breeding due to it being too costly or because we are too afraid to breed.

This proposed bill HB 198 is going to the House today to be heard.

Briefly HB 198 would require:

Breeders would be prohibited from owning more than 20 intact dogs over a year old, regardless of whether the animals are being bred.

Breeders, defined as anyone who owns more than 3 breeding females and sells their offspring, would be required to:

*Submit to an annual, unannounced home inspection – for an unspecified fee.
*Undergo fingerprinting and criminal background checks – for an unspecified fee.
*Build facilities to meet rigid engineering standards which exceed those required by the USDA. This will require most breeders to purchase expensive new equipment and build new facilities.
*Breed only dogs between 18 months and 8 years of age. (you won't be able to breed males until they are 18 months old, and if your bitch comes into season at 16 months, I guess you'll have to wait until she's almost 2 before you can breed her for the first time)
*Correct any deficiencies within 7 days or dispose of all intact animals at an animal control facility, a licensed Illinois shelter or have them euthanized by a veterinarian.
*File detailed annual reports with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
*Provide specified disclosures to puppy purchasers.
*Comply with any additional regulations drafted by the department.