Carol Stream Kennel Fire Prompts New Law: Report

SPRINGFIELD, IL — Kennels in Illinois will have to have a sprinkler system and fire alarms installed, or to have someone on staff at all times, now that a new law has gone into effect. Prompted by the deadly Carol Stream kennel fire that claimed the lives of nearly 30 dogs in January, the law was signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker Tuesday, the Daily Herald reports.

The Carol Stream fire gutted the kennel that owner Garrett Mercado used to house dogs as part of his The Bully Life Animal Services business. At the time, 58 dogs were in the facility, many of which were tethered in cramped quarters or in cages stacked onto other cages.

Mercado was later charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty after being accused of keeping the dogs in conditions that DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin called "cruel and inhumane."

Police say Mercado was not at the kennel when the fire broke out and that the building was not equipped with a sprinkler system.

In a press release, Pritzker reportedly touted the kennel safety law, which went into effect immediately, as a way to "protect pets from senseless tragedies."

Read more:

• Animal Cruelty Charges Filed In Kennel Fire That Killed 29 Dogs
• Community Rallies To Find 'Hope And Healing' After Kennel Fire

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