In February 2025, multiple dogs were electrically shocked outside a residential building in River North, Chicago. Tragically, residents were never informed that their pets had been exposed to this hazard. As a result, many pet owners were unable to monitor their animals for delayed symptoms or seek proper medical care.

This incident exposed a dangerous gap in safety protocols for residential buildings. Without clear communication requirements, residents remain unaware of potential risks; putting their pets, their families, and themselves in harm’s way.

We are calling on Chicago officials to pass a Safe Housing and Pet Protection Ordinance to ensure this never happens again.

Proposed Solutions:

We are urging city officials to adopt the following measures to improve public safety:

1. Mandatory Resident Notification: Require landlords and property managers to notify residents in writing within 24-48 hours if an electrical hazard, environmental risk, or other safety concern occurs that could impact pets or residents.
2. Immediate Safety Measures: Require landlords to implement visible safety precautions (e.g., temporary barricades, warning signs) in areas where an electrical hazard has been identified until repairs are completed.
3. Veterinary Advisory Notice: In cases where pets may have been harmed, property managers must provide residents with a notice explaining what symptoms to watch for and advising them to consult their veterinarian.
4. Proof of Repair Requirement: Require property managers to submit documented proof that a licensed contractor has repaired the hazard within a reasonable timeframe (e.g., 7-14 days), with extensions granted only for valid delays.

Why This Matters:

Electrical hazards aren’t just dangerous to pets, they’re life-threatening to everyone, including children, seniors, and individuals with mobility challenges.

Transparency, communication, and immediate safety measures are essential to protecting the public and ensuring property managers are held accountable for maintaining safe living conditions.

By signing this petition, you are standing in support of a simple yet powerful ordinance that will prevent future incidents, protect Chicago residents, and keep our pets safe.

Call to Action:

We urge Chicago’s City Council and Aldermen to prioritize public safety and take swift action to implement the Safe Housing and Pet Protection Ordinance. Please sign this petition to help protect our pets, our neighbors, and our community.