Ordinance shows Naperville cares

Naperville has proved to be a progressive, caring community like surrounding neighbors Lisle, Downers Grove and Warrenville. Passing the Humane Ordinance, requiring pet shops to adopt humane models, moves Naperville forward. There are three good reasons the ordinance is beneficial. One gives us cause to pay closer attention to whom we vote for.

First: Passing the ordinance sends a message that Naperville sets a high bar. We strive to do what's humane, wanting no part of puppy mills' well documented cruelty. It also says we cannot condone predatory lending. These shops not only charge exorbitantly, but are eager to finance the purchase at usury interest rates.

Second: As explained to council by our county's veterinarian, it will help protect consumers from exposure to Campylobacter, to name one pathogen, carried by mill puppies. Besides the health risk, potential heartbreak becomes significantly diminished. Nobody should go through the emotional upset described in council by several victimized families.

Third: Facts revealed during the hearings were eye-opening and should concern us all. One resident asserted a council member had accepted substantial campaign donations from the pet industry. He was not the only one on the dais who had. In today's political climate everybody understands a "quid pro quo." This sure smelled of one. As they say: follow the money. Proponents had nothing financial to gain. On the other hand, shop owners, joined by Amish Breeders, worried about their bottom line.

This hard fought, six-year process brought to light the reason council needs to examine ethics issues. Humane Council Members, Kelly, Sullivan, Hinterlong, Brodhead, and Gustin deserve accolades. I'm disappointed in those who should have taken the transparent highroad and recused.

After exposing previous shenanigans, former Councilwoman Becky Anderson, stressed a need to examine elected leaders' ethics protocols. I agree

Gail Diedrichsen

Naperville