There are many times I feel our Governor legislates as if there is no Southern Illinois, but he recently signed HB5076, a bill that protects “good Samaritans” from civil liability during emergencies while providing care for animals. The press release from the Governor’s Office, dated August 20, 2008, reads:
bill into law that protects individuals who assist
animals during emergencies. House Bill 5076 provides
immunity from civil liability to any person,
including a licensed veterinarian, who in good faith
and without fee provides emergency care or treatment
to an injured animal or an animal separated from its
owner due to an emergency or disaster. HB 5076 passed
unanimously in the Illinois House (110-0-0) and
Senate (55-0-0) and was sponsored by State Rep. Sara
Feigenholtz and State Sen. John Cullerton. “This new law allows kind-hearted individuals to
offer assistance to animals during emergency
situations without fear of retribution,” said
Governor Blagojevich. “Disasters can happen at any
time and good people should not be in fear of
punishment for offering their help in a time of
need.”
The new law does not apply if the person’s actions
involve willful or wanton misconduct. The law also
provides that any civil lawsuit as a result of a
violation of this Act must be brought within two
years of the violation.
“The tragedy of Hurricane Katrina, for example, was
made worse by the fact that many individuals did not
feel comfortable rendering aid to animals in the
aftermath, for fear of facing legal action,” said
Rep. Feigenholtz. “This new law gives that protection
to people here in Illinois.”
According to the American Society for the Prevention
of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), 18 other states
already have Good Samaritan provisions that protect
individuals who rescue or help animals during
emergencies or disasters.
“Numerous other states have similar provisions in
place and I am pleased to see Governor Blagojevich
sign this bill into law, protecting Illinoisans from
retribution for helping animals during times of
emergency,” said Sen. Cullerton.
“We are very supportive of this legislation,
particularly because it points out that licensed
veterinarians can help during emergency situations,”
said Dr. Robyn Barbiers, DVM, President of The
Anti-Cruelty Society, based in Chicago. “We are
pleased to see this bill become law.”
I am happy to see this law put into effect because during times of extreme stress people should be free to offer assistance to those in dire need without worry. When natural disasters strike we must be able to come together as a people and offer our helping hand without concern or fear. On the flip side, this legislation does not protect those that engage in “willful or wanton misconduct.” It’s unfortunate that in our world that statement is necessary, but while most people have intentions of helping their neighbors during their time of need, disasters also bring out the worst among us that use these times in an opportunistic manner to line their pockets through deceit.
This bill was passed with the help of the ASPCA, a group that in addition to providing safe haven for abused animals also lobbies for laws to protect the most helpless among us, our pets and farm animals. You can sign up at the ASPCA.org website to be notified of important legislation pending on a national and state level along with links for you to send your thoughts on the legislation to your legislators. They’ve made it so easy that there is literally no reason not to be involved. After you visit FidoFinder.com to vote for the Randolph County Humane Society as your favorite shelter take a moment to check out ASPCA.org and see what you can do to make this world a better place to live. And always remember, your vote makes a difference, and we can’t do it without you.
Posted by tailtalk 
