The Illinois Department of Agriculture is seeking to revoke the licenses of three pet shops, including one in Aurora.
The state agency has sent petitions alleging Furry Babies, which has a location at Fox Valley Mall in Aurora, is operating as a pet shop without a pet shop operators license as required by the Animal Welfare Act.
It sent petitions to the Furry Babies locations in Rockford and Lombard, as well. Furry Babies has a fourth location in Portage, Indiana.
The agency said Furry Babies is “engaging in business as a pet shop operator(s) without a license therefor.”
According to the Agriculture Department, under Illinois law, only pet shop operators are permitted to sell or offer to sell dogs at retail to the public, and all dogs sold at retail must be obtained from an animal control facility or animal shelter.
The Furry Babies locations “have been found to be offering for sale and/or selling dogs at retail to the public,” the department said.
The businesses were notified of the applicable licensing requirements and restrictions when their dog dealer licenses were issued, the department added.
“This is a result of routine investigations the department conducts to ensure compliance with laws that keep animals safe,” the department said.
A pre-hearing conference before an administrative law judge is set for Aug. 31.
The Department of Agriculture is acting in accordance with House Bill 1711, a new state law regulating the retail sale of animals, particularly dogs and cats.
“This new state law prohibits the sale of pets from unscrupulous breeders and puppy mills and instead requires these stores to help connect shelter or rescue pets with potential adopters,” said state Sen. Linda Holmes, D-Aurora. “Some store owners have attempted to skirt the new regulations, but the Illinois Department of Agriculture has investigated and is acting to potentially revoke their licenses.”
Holmes said the department is trying to ensure compliance and keep animals safe, “and I commend their efforts in this matter.”
Holmes, a supporter of the new legislation as well as a number of measures related to animal health and welfare, said the business model of sourcing pets from rescues and shelters is growing across the country, “and stores that follow this trend are continuing to succeed without selling poorly bred pets with a myriad of health problems and at exorbitant prices.”
Furry Babies has been in business in Aurora for about 10 years. The Beacon-News reached out to the company for a comment and received no response.
But the company has many postings on its website and Facebook page touting support from clients. A post on the website also derided HB 1171 as “deeply flawed legislation targeted at closing small businesses.”
“While we believe there is a place for rescue and support the mission, we also strongly believe that with 520 animal shelters and rescues licensed in the state of Illinois that consumers should have access to a well-bred puppy of their choosing,” the website said.
State seeks to revoke license of Furry Babies pet shops – Chicago Tribune & Latest News Update
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