- Published: Wednesday, March 10, 2021 10:47 AM
SPRINGFIELD – With a long history of successful animal protection legislation in the Illinois Senate, Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) has now presented a measure to add more safeguards in the courts for abused animals.
The Senate Judiciary Committee approved Senate Bill 153 on Tuesday, which would give trial courts discretion in prosecutions for cruelty to companion animals to appoint a volunteer lawyer or supervised law student to assist the court as a special advocate.
“Abuse cases can result in dismissed charges or reduced sentences for animal owners accused of cruelty, often due to prosecutors with good intentions but not enough resources for research and information to make a strong case,” Holmes said. “These advocates can assist the courts in working toward consistent reinforcement of Illinois’ mandate to properly protect companion animals.”