Dupage Policy Journal

On Aug. 30, the Chairman of the Downers Grove Township Republican Organization, Jack Novak, released a statement praising DuPage County State's Attorney Bob Berlin's initiative to further animal protection laws in Illinois. The Chairman expressed his support for Berlin's dedication to protecting the citizens of DuPage County and their pets.

"State's Attorney, Bob Berlin exemplifies what being a Republican Elected Official is all about," Novak said in a statement. "He is not only interested in safeguarding the citizens of DuPage and of all of Illinois but also champions the safety and well-being of our four-legged friends, who bring joy and comfort to so many of the residents of DuPage and Illinois."

The Downers Grove Township Republican Organization includes parts or all of Downers Grove, Darien, Westmont, Hinsdale, Willowbrook, Clarendon Hills, Burr Ridge, Woodridge, and Oak Brook.

Bob Berlin is the Dupage County State's Attorney and was sworn in on Dec. 14, 2010.

According to a press release, new legislation gives law enforcement the ability to remove animals from dangerous household environments. The law also gives the court authority to ban the households of convicted animal abusers from ever owning an animal. Those who violate the law will be subject to up to 90 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $2500.

“Recent cases of animal cruelty in DuPage County did not go far enough to protect the animals during the pendency of the case,” Berlin said in the press release. “I am very pleased that with support from the General Assembly and Governor Pritzker’s signature, we are now able to remove these defenseless animals from their alleged abusers and provide them food, water, medical attention as needed and ultimately find them caring, loving homes.”

Public Act 103-0490 amends the Humane Care for Animals Act by mandating that the court may order the individual in violation of the law to surrender the companion animal in lieu of a conviction for violating certain parts of the Act.

According to his campaign page, Bob Berlin has served the people of Dupage County and Illinois for over 31 years. He began his career as a prosecutor in 1987 and has been the Dupage County State's Attorney since 2010. Berlin promotes and supports various public safety initiatives, including those such as improving school safety by being one of the charter members of the DuPage County School Safety Task Force, preventing violent crime by working hand in hand with Dupage County law enforcement and fully prosecuting individuals who commit violent crimes, and working to address the opioid crisis by punishing drug dealers and providing treatment for substance abusers.