Support Shelly's Law

Illinois law currently contains gaps that can allow a person convicted of felony animal torture to avoid serving meaningful time in prison, even after a judge imposes a prison sentence. Shelly's Law is a package of legislative reforms designed to close those gaps, strengthen accountability, and ensure that every animal victim matters.

The need for reform was brought into focus by a recent Illinois case in which a defendant convicted of felony animal torture was sentenced to 54 months in prison. Under Illinois' current sentence credit system, including credit for time spent on pretrial home electronic monitoring, the defendant was released to mandatory supervised release on the same day he reported to the Department of Corrections.

Why Shelly’s Law?

Shelly's Law is named in memory of the kittens who were victims in the case that inspired this legislation. Although only one kitten was the subject of the felony conviction, every animal harmed by acts of torture deserves recognition, accountability, and justice.

Animal torture is an extreme act of violence against living creatures that cannot defend themselves. Strengthening these laws protects animals and reinforces public confidence that sentences imposed by the courts carry real consequences.

The reforms

1. End prison sentence credit for pretrial home electronic monitoring in felony animal torture cases

A person convicted of felony animal torture should serve the custodial sentence imposed by the court, rather than satisfying that sentence through pretrial home confinement.

2. Strengthen sentencing for crimes involving multiple animal victims

Illinois law should recognize each animal victim at sentencing by expanding the availability of consecutive sentences where appropriate. Torturing or killing multiple animals should not be treated as though there were only a single victim.

Our request

By signing this petition, I respectfully urge my State Senator and State Representative to introduce, support, and pass Shelly's Law to:

• End prison sentence credit for pretrial home electronic monitoring in felony animal torture cases.
• Ensure that each animal victim is meaningfully recognized at sentencing, including through consecutive sentences where appropriate.
• Strengthen accountability for the most serious acts of animal cruelty in Illinois.

Illinois can lead by ensuring that felony animal torture carries meaningful consequences and that every animal victim is recognized under the law. Every victim deserves to matter.