IL HB5771

Amends the Animal Welfare Act to establish licensure requirements for dog breeders, defining "dog breeder" as any person owning 6 or more female dogs capable of reproduction for the purpose of selling their offspring.

Defines "commercial dog breeder" as a dog breeder who owns 10 or more breeding females, breeds or whelps dogs, and sells or transfers more than 30 dogs per calendar year or sells to wholesale dealers or pet shops.

Requires all licensees to provide sufficient nutritious food daily, continuous access to potable water, humane care and treatment, yearly veterinary examinations, prompt treatment of illness or injury, and current rabies vaccinations for dogs 16 weeks and older.

Imposes additional requirements on commercial dog breeders including: indoor enclosures with solid floors not stacked on other animals, maintained between 45-85 degrees Fahrenheit; minimum 12-30 square feet of indoor floor space depending on dog size; at least one foot of headroom; outdoor exercise areas with twice the indoor space; and limiting breeding to no more than 2 litters per dog in any 18-month period.

Exempts hobby or show breeders with 5 or fewer females and hunting dog breeders with 5 or fewer females from the definition of "dog breeder."