Sec. 15.5. Reckless dog owner; complaint; penalty.

261 words·~1 min read·/il/chapter-510/act-5/15-5

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(a)The Administrator, State's Attorney, Director, or any citizen may file a complaint in circuit court to determine whether a person is a reckless dog owner. If an owner is determined to be a reckless dog owner by clear and convincing evidence, the court shall order the immediate impoundment and forfeiture of all dogs the reckless dog owner has a property right in. Forfeiture may be to any licensed shelter, rescue, or sanctuary. The court shall further prohibit the property right ownership of a dog by the person determined to be a reckless dog owner for a period of at least 12 months, but not more than 36 months for the first reckless dog owner determination.

(a-5) A dog's history during ownership by a person found to be a reckless dog owner shall not be considered conclusive of the dog's temperament and qualification for adoption or transfer. The dog's temperament shall be independently evaluated by a person qualified to conduct behavioral assessments and, if the dog is deemed adoptable, the receiving facility shall make a reasonable attempt to place the dog in another home, transfer the dog to rescue, or place the dog in a sanctuary.

(b)A person who refuses to forfeit a dog under this Section is in violation which carries a public safety fine of $500 for each dog. The fine shall be deposited into the Pet Population Control Fund. Each day a person fails to comply with a forfeiture or prohibition ordered under this Section shall constitute a separate offense.