Members Appointed To The Joint Task Force On Breeders And Pet Stores

SPRINGFIELD, IL - The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) will hold the first meeting of the Joint Task Force on Breeders and Pet Stores on Monday, June 22 at 9am in the Artisan's Building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds.  The Task Force was established by Senate Joint Resolution 56 (SJR 56).  The initial meeting will be open to the public. Doors will open at 8:30 am.

SJR 56 called for the Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture to appoint the Chairman and several members of the Task Force to give recommendations to the General Assembly regarding comprehensive legislative changes to the Animal Welfare Act and the Humane Care for Animals Act. The Task Force will hold a series of meetings between now and the end of the year.
    
The following is a list of the members appointed to the Joint Task Force on Breeders and Pet Stores:

Name            Position                     City
Dr. Mark Ernst, IDOA Chair Springfield, IL
Jordan Matyas, HSUS National Organization Chicago, IL
Cori Menken, ASPCA National Organization North Bergen, NJ
Erika Walsh, ASA Sloughi Rescue Animal Rescue Community St. Charles, IL
Tom VanWinkle, Animal Care League Shelter Community Riverside, IL
Sally Westerhoff, Quincy Humane Society Shelter Community Fowler, IL
Ronald Berning, Happiness Is Pets Pet Store Industry Lemont, IL
Michelle Kasten, Belle City Kennel Club Small Scale Breeding Community O'Fallon, IL
Mary Jo Trimble, Illinois Federation for Outdoor Resources Sporting Dog Community Carterville, IL
Dr. Steve Dullard, Ancare Veterinary Clinic, PC Illinois Veterinarians Mendota, IL
Christina Lee, Illinois Professional Pet Breeders Association Large Scale Breeding Community Norris City, IL

Future meeting times will be discussed and set at the June 22nd meeting. For more information about the Joint Task Force on Breeders and Pet Stores, you can call Jeff Williams at 217-782-9013. Written comments can be submitted to the Task Force online at www.agr.state.il.us after June 18th.

It is the policy of the Illinois Department of Agriculture to comply with the provisions of the American with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. §12101 et. seq.  Any individual needing reasonable accommodation should make request in advance to Brent Eggleston at 217/524-5125 or Brent.Eggleston@illinois.gov