Letter: Animals won big in Naperville

Now that the Naperville City Council election is over, the real work begins. And at the forefront of this policymaking will be three champions of animal protection. The Humane Society Legislative Fund is thrilled to congratulate three of our endorsed candidates on their elections to Naperville City Council, where we know they will continue to speak for those that cannot speak for themselves. Naperville can and should be a leading force in the humane treatment of animals.

Patrick Kelly's reelection will ensure animals have a voice in Naperville. Kelly was instrumental in passing a humane ordinance to prohibit the sale of commercially bred dogs and cats in the city's pet stores - a "commercial breeder" being one way to describe a puppy mill. These unthinkably cruel, high-volume breeding facilities churn out animals for profit, often ignoring their most basic needs. Kelly worked hard to make the ordinance a reality, which passed by a close 5-4 vote. But he didn't stop there. Kelly then coordinated advocacy efforts to push for the statewide "Humane Pet Store Law," cracking down on puppy mills across Illinois in 2021.

Kelly will be joined by two new council members whose commitment to the cause rings loud and clear. Alison Longenbaugh lovingly calls her home "the Ark," as it's so full of rescue animals. She is a longtime advocate lobbying for state and municipal animal protection policies, and an energetic leader in teaching others to do the same. Josh McBroom also believes that home is where the animals are - he is ready to keep up the fight quelling puppy mill operations, and to become a go-to on animal issues.

Marc Ayers, Illinois State Director

Humane Society Legislative Fund

Springfield