Support Rosie's Law
Choose how you want to take action. Every step — large or small — matters.
Submit a Witness Slip
You can support the bill by submitting a witness slip through the Illinois General Assembly system. This places your position on record ahead of the committee hearing. Estimated time: under 2 minutes.
Reach Out to Legislators
Use the templates below to contact your Illinois legislators and urge their support for HB4540.
Full Letter Template
[Date] The Honorable [Legislator Name] [Office Address] Springfield, Illinois [ZIP] Dear [Senator/Representative] [Last Name], The purpose of this letter is to urge support for HB4540, the Companion Animal Custody Equity Act. HB4540 would make companion animals subject to the Replevin Article of the Code of Civil Procedure and allow courts, in possession disputes, to consider the well-being of the animal and issue temporary possession or caregiving orders when necessary to reduce stress or disruption. This proposal addresses a real gap in current law. Illinois courts already encounter companion animal disputes outside divorce cases, but they lack clear statutory guidance for evaluating caregiving history, continuity of care, and animal well-being in those situations. HB4540 is designed to provide that guidance while preserving judicial discretion rather than mandating a single outcome in every case. Support for this bill rests on a simple principle: when people dispute possession of a companion animal, courts should be able to look beyond ownership paperwork alone and consider who has actually provided daily care, veterinary support, supervision, and a stable environment. The legislation allows additional consideration for older companion animals, including continuity of environment, emotional stability, stress minimization, and maintenance of established routines. Importantly, HB4540 is a narrow and workable reform. It does not change the legal classification of animals as property, does not create new causes of action, and does not remove judicial discretion. The measure is a targeted amendment to Illinois civil procedure rather than a broad restructuring of animal law. For these reasons, support for HB4540 would help Illinois courts resolve companion animal possession disputes more fairly and with greater attention to stability and welfare. A vote in favor would recognize the realities of caregiving while preserving flexibility for judges to decide cases based on their specific facts. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Title / Organization, if applicable] [City, State] [Email] [Phone]
Short Version
Dear [Senator/Representative] [Last Name], Please support HB4540, the Companion Animal Custody Equity Act. The bill would allow Illinois courts to consider a companion animal’s well-being in possession disputes and, when appropriate, issue temporary caregiving or possession orders to reduce disruption and stress. This is a narrow reform that gives courts clearer guidance without changing the legal classification of animals as property or removing judicial discretion. Thank you for considering this important measure. Sincerely, [Your Name]
How to Find Your Legislator
Visit ilga.gov to look up your state senator or representative by address. Their contact information — including office address and phone — is listed on their profile page.
Tips for Your Letter
• Keep it brief and respectful • Mention you are a constituent • Reference HB4540 by name • Share a personal connection to animal caregiving if relevant • Send to both your state senator and state representative
Sign the Petition
Adding your signature is the single most impactful thing you can do right now. The Bring Justice for Rosie petition has 411 signatures and counting — every name builds the public record that legislators see before a vote. Click below to sign in under 60 seconds.
Sign on Change.org
Add your name to the petition: Bring Justice for Rosie — Reform Illinois Pet Custody Laws. Direct link: change.org/justice-for-rosie Takes under 60 seconds. No account required.
Email Tammy Duckworth
Send a pre-written email to Senator Tammy Duckworth urging her support for Rosie's Law. Use the button below to open your email client, then paste this message: Subject: You've been identified as a key decision maker on my petition Dear Tammy Duckworth, I'm writing to you because I started a petition titled 'Bring Justice for Rosie — Reform Illinois Pet Custody Laws,' which has garnered widespread support from our community, with 411 signatures and counting. As a key decision maker, your involvement is pivotal in making change happen on this critical issue. Learn more: change.org/p/bring-justice-for-rosie-reform-illinois-pet-custody-laws This petition matters deeply to me, and I'd really appreciate any time you can give me. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Best, [Your Name]
Email Susana Mendoza
Send a pre-written email to Susana Mendoza urging her support for Rosie's Law. Email: Susana.Mendoza@illinoiscomptroller.gov Subject: You've been identified as a key decision maker on my petition Dear Susana Mendoza, I'm writing to you because I started a petition titled 'Bring Justice for Rosie — Reform Illinois Pet Custody Laws,' which has garnered widespread support from our community, with 411 signatures and counting. As a key decision maker, your involvement is pivotal in making change happen on this critical issue. Learn more: change.org/p/bring-justice-for-rosie-reform-illinois-pet-custody-laws This petition matters deeply to me, and I'd really appreciate any time you can give me. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Best, [Your Name]
Why It Matters
Petition signatures and direct emails to decision makers demonstrate public momentum behind HB4540. Every action — signing, emailing, or sharing — builds the record that legislators see before a vote.
Questions about Rosie's Law?
Reach out to the Rosie's Law team. We'd like to hear your thoughts, questions, and ideas about modernizing companion-animal custody law in Illinois.