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New Law Requires More Steps Before Shelter Animals Can Be Put Down

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Your pet gets a better chance for survival at the shelter with a new law signed by Gov. Pat Quinn.

As WBBM Newsradio 780's John Cody reports, Quinn says shelter owners are already required to scan stray animals once for an owner's chip under the skin. The new law requires more.

LISTEN: Newsradio 780's John Cody reports

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"There's a requirement for a second scanning before anything is done to the animal. There must be a second effort at locating not only through the chip, but also if there are any tags; any kind of identification mark whatsoever," Quinn said.

The new dog and cat law requires the stray finder to do more than mail the owner's last address. It calls for the shelter also phone the veterinarian or backup contact listed with the implanted chip before the dog or cat can be euthanized.

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