A destructive bill has passed the Illinois Senate and moved on to the House of Representatives. SB 648 would endanger cats’ lives by mandating that nonprofit shelters transfer stray cats to pounds, even if the shelter would be able to achieve positive outcomes for the cats.

Requiring private animal shelters and rescue groups to turn animals over to county pounds would dramatically increase the numbers of cats entering county facilities, putting more strain on existing resources, and likely increasing the number of animals killed. Pounds would not even have to attempt to save the cats’ lives.

We are also concerned about what effect SB 648 would have on shelters engaging in Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs. We are certain this bill is inhumane and wasteful, spending taxpayer dollars to kill more animals in county facilities. Please take a moment to contact your Representative and respectfully ask him or her to oppose SB 648.

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