Chicago is a rock star!

Not to toot my own horn or anything, but MY CITY is doing some amazing stuff with animal welfare.

A study went underway in May here in Chicago that, when complete, should give some concrete information about what the problems associated with homeless or at-risk pets, what neighborhoods in the city are most at-risk for animal abuse and neglect, how much companion animal issues cost the city. Because it's the first study of its kind, it is unclear what type or how much information will actually be useful, but researchers are collecting as much information as they can. The study will conclude by the end of this year with a report to the Chicago city council on its findings. More on the study as news unfolds.

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In other happy and Huzzah Chicago! news, a bill that would mandate a cross-reference of animal and child abuse has passed both houses of the Illinois legislature and is now awaiting Gov. Pat Quinn's signature to be signed into law. This bill could be instrumental in decreasing violence toward children and animals Chicago.

Basically, when a call of child abuse comes in, officers will be required to check to make sure that the same family has not also had reports of animal abuse, and vice versa. It is well documented that there is a significant connection between animal abuse and child abuse. In approximately 9 out of 10 households where children were abused, a 1983 study found that animals were also abused.

I'd like to encourage all you folks in the Chicagoland area to contact Gov. Quinn and ask him (nicely and respectfully 'cause we're all good people around these parts) to please sign this bill into law. And also give yourself a pat on the back, 'cause your town is the shit.