Illinois Livestock Board Assigned Animal Well-being Issues
By Pork news staff  |  Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has signed legislation that expands the responsibilities of the Advisory Board of Livestock Commissioners into the area of animal well-being. According to the governor’s office, the legislation is to ensure the well-being of poultry, livestock and domestic animals.

 “It is important that all animals – from household pets to livestock – are treated in a manner that is ethical and humane, and this bill is an important measure to ensure just that,” Quinn said in a news release.

The bill-- Illinois Senate Bill 3604—is effective immediately. The Advisory Board of Livestock Commissioners will be now responsible for approving administrative rules that address the well-being of poultry, livestock and domestic animals. The board will also work to prevent, eliminate and control diseases that affect such animals.

The livestock commissioners previously did not oversee rules or regulations related to animal well-being issues. Now, under this new law, the Illinois Department of Agriculture will have to submit those to the commissioners.

The board consists of 25 members, 17 of which are appointed by the governor. According to the new law, each member that the governor appoints will serve a five-year term. Previously, there were no such term limits.

The new law also gives the governor authority to replace inactive board members.

Source: Meatingplace.com