Illinois cracks down on vicious dogs as weapons

[Rene Allegrini]

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http://today.reuters.com/news/articl...domesticNews-3

Thu Dec 28, 2006 6:45pm ET

CHICAGO (Reuters)

Freeze! Put the pit bull on the ground and your hands behind your head.

Illinois is about to become the first U.S. state to crack down on dogs used by convicted felons, especially those involved in gangs, to intimidate people or participate in dog fights.

Convicted felons, legally prohibited from owning guns, frequently use dogs to attack or threaten people.

"This innovative act was designed to make our communities safer, and is a major step forward in correctly administering and regulating 'dangerous dog' laws," said Ed Sayres, president of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

The new law, which takes effect on Monday, makes it a misdemeanor for a convicted felon to own an unspayed or unneutered dog or any dog deemed "vicious" under the Illinois Animal Control Act.

Research has shown that sterilized animals are less likely to behave aggressively or be involved in fatal attacks. The illegal sport of dog fighting involves intact dogs.

While not necessarily dangerous dogs by nature, pit bulls are often used by gang members for attacks and dog fights.

"Dogs are wonderful companions and great protectors," said state Rep. Jerry Mitchell, a Republican from western Illinois. "They were never meant to be used as a weapon to protect or defend illegal activities."