A. The owner of any female animal in heat (estrus) shall confine such animal in a building or secure enclosure and shall attend the animal in such a manner that such female animal cannot come into contact with a male of the same species except for planned breeding.
B. More than Five (5) Females. A breeder who owns, has possession of, or harbors more than five (5) females capable of reproduction, and who sells , offers to sell, exchanges, or offers for adoption with or without charge dogs or cats that he or she has produced and raised, shall obtain a license from the Illinois Department of Agriculture. (225 ILCS 605/3(a))
C. Three (3) to Five (5) Females. A breeder who owns, has possession of, or harbors a least three (3) but not more than (5) females capable of reproduction, and sells, offers to sell, exchanges, or offers for adoption with or without charge, two or more litters of dogs or cats per year that he or she has produced or raised, shall obtain a breeder's permit with Lee County Animal Control.
D. Breeder Permit Application. In order to receive a breeder permit, the owner must complete a breeder permit application. The breeder application must be approved, and a permit issued by Lee County Animal Control before anyone can breed a dog. Once the breeder application is submitted, Lee County Animal Control will review it and, if approved, a breeder permit will be mailed to the applicant after thirty (30) days. The breeder permit is good for one year from the date of issue and must be renewed annually. The permit is not transferable to another person.
E. Fees. A twenty- five dollar ($25.00) annual fee must be paid in order to receive the permit.
F. Permit Qualifications. The applicant for a breeder's permit shall not have been found guilty of more than three violations of the Lee County Animal Control ordinances within the previous three years from the date of application. If a breeder is found to be guilty of violating any portion of the Lee County Ordinances more than three times, their permit will be immediately revoked and animals will be surrendered to Lee County Animal Control. Owners shall not own, possess, or harbor any dogs or cats for a period of three years.
G. An applicant for a breeder permit shall provide proof that the premises is located in an area with proper zoning or have received a variance from the proper authority.
H. Responsibilities. Dog and cat breeders must comply with the county's animal control ordinance, including the rabies vaccination, registration and microchipping laws of this county and applicable state and federal regulations.
I. Holders of a breeder permit shall must comply with the Lee County Animal Control Ordinance and all applicable state and federal regulations, including, but not limited to:
1. Inoculations (vaccination) and microchipping.
a. All dogs and/or cats over four months of age must be inoculated against rabies and registered pursuant to this article.
b. All dogs and cats must be microchipped pursuant to this article.
2. Humane care and treatment of animals by breeders.
a. All dogs and/or cats must be provided with a continuous supply of fresh water, sufficient food to maintain acceptable body weight, proper shelter, protection from the weather and sufficient veterinary care to prevent suffering.
3. Reporting requirements. All permitted breeders shall provide information to the administrator on sales, adoptions, source, dispositions, microchip numbers and ownership of puppies or kittens within five (5) business days of the sale, adoption, source, or disposition.
I. Any person violating or aiding in the violation of any provision of this section, or resisting, obstructing, impeding the animal control authority or any authorized officer in enforcing this section, shall be fined no less than one hundred dollars ($100.00) or no more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) per occurrence. (Ord. 07-22-001, 7-21-2022)