Civil liability for violations of the Humane Care for Animals Act

[This is Part 2 of series about the Illinois Humane Care of Animals Act.  The introductory post can be found HERE.]

The Illinois Humane Care for Animals Act also provides civil remedies to the owners of animals who have been subjected to harm.  Any person who has a right of ownership in an animal that is subjected to aggravated cruelty or torture, as those terms are defined in the Act, may bring a civil action for damages.  

Damages may include, but are not limited to, the monetary value of the animal, veterinary expenses, any other expenses incurred by the owner in rectifying the effects of the cruelty, pain or suffering of the animal, and emotional distress suffered by the owner.  In addition to those actual damages, the court can award punitive damages of not less than $500 and not more than $25,000 for each instance of abuse.  Also, the court can award attorney's fees to the animal's owner.

If your animal has been intentionally harmed by another person, or if you have any other questions concerning the Illinois Humane Care of Animals Act, please send me a confidential email HERE.