Rosie's Law — HB 4540 Animal Custody Reform
Requiring Illinois courts to consider caregiving history, emotional bonds, and animal well-being in companion-animal custody disputes — for all residents, regardless of marital status.
HB 4540 clears Senate Judiciary Committee
HB 4540 — the Companion Animal Custody Equity Act — has passed the Illinois House and cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee as of May 2026. The bill now advances toward a full Senate vote. Join lawmakers and advocates supporting this landmark companion-animal custody reform.
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How Rosie's story exposed a legal gap
When Rosie, a senior dog, became the subject of a custody dispute in Illinois, the courts treated her as property — not as a living being with a primary caretaker. Judges couldn't weigh her well-being or years of care simply because the couple was not married. Rosie's Law, the Companion Animal Custody Equity (CACE) Act changes that. How did a small court case inspire the creation of the CACE Act?
Modern courts need modern pet custody law
Rosie's Law, formally HB 4540, empowers courts to consider caregiving history and animal well-being in possession disputes, enshrining the human-animal bond as a legal consideration regardless of marital status.
The CACE Act (HB4540) modernizes animal custody law
Allows Illinois courts to consider caregiving history and animal welfare in possession disputes.
Rosie is the heart behind Rosie's law.
Rosie is a senior Puggle whose custody was awarded without consideration of her established caregiving history — a direct consequence of Illinois law classifying companion animals as personal property. Her case is the foundation of this initiative. Learn more at JusticeForRosie.org.
Led by a Psychologist and Animal Justice Advocate
After losing custody of her companion animal in a proceeding that treated her dog as property, Dr. Tameer Siddiqui drafted the original framework and naming of the Companion Animal Custody Equity Act. Her work now continues in collaboration with legislators and advocates working to advance recognition of the human–animal bond in Illinois law.
Centralized materials for lawmakers
Executive summaries, full bill text, amendments, and media resources all in one place.
Growing bipartisan backing
Legislators, advocates, and animal welfare organizations united behind modernizing companion-animal law.
Illinois legislative momentum
HB4540 has successfully passed its third reading in the Illinois House and now advances to the IL Senate for consideration.
HB4540 Has Passed the Illinois House and Is Now Advancing Through the Senate
Rosie's Law (HB4540) — the Companion Animal Custody Equity Act — passed the Illinois House 72–38 on April 14, 2026, and was referred to the Illinois Senate Assignments Committee on April 15, 2026. Chief Senate Sponsor: Sen. Linda Holmes. Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Democrat 8). The bill empowers courts to consider caregiving history and animal well-being in all companion-animal possession disputes.
Modernized Legal Framework
HB4540 replaces outdated property-based custody rules with standards that recognize animals as sentient beings deserving judicial consideration.
Caregiving History Standard
Courts can evaluate who provided primary care, training, and daily support for the animal in custody disputes.
Animal Well-Being Consideration
Courts can weigh the animal's physical, behavioral, and emotional needs when determining custody arrangements.
Comprehensive Court Guidance
The statute provides specific factors for judges to apply consistently across all companion-animal possession disputes throughout Illinois.
The Gap
The CACE Act was informed by a real companion-animal custody dispute adjudicated in Cook County, where existing property law rendered the animal's wellbeing, established bonds, and caregiving history legally irrelevant. Because the co-caregivers were unmarried, the court lacked the statutory authority to consider any factor beyond ownership — exposing a critical gap in Illinois companion-animal law.
Evidence-Based Standards
The statute draws on animal behavior science and custody law research to create fair, predictable outcomes in animal possession cases.
Voices Behind Rosie's Law
Lawmakers, animal welfare advocates, and legal experts support HB4540's modernization of companion-animal custody law.
HB4540 fills a critical gap in Illinois law. Courts deserve the framework to prioritize animal welfare in custody disputes, not just property claims.
Representative
Illinois State Legislature
This bill reflects what animal welfare organizations have advocated for years. Rosie's Law puts the animal's well-being at the center of the law.
Volunteer
Illinois Animal Welfare Coalition
As a family law attorney, I've seen too many cases where caregiving history was ignored. HB4540 gives courts the tools they need to make fair decisions.
Family Law Attorney
Chicago Bar Association
Tameer Siddiqui's work on this initiative is exactly what evidence-based policy looks like. The legal framework is sound and necessary.
Professor
Loyola University School of Law
Illinois pet owners deserve a law that recognizes their role in their animals' lives. HB4540 does that with clarity and compassion.
Liason
Illinois Pet Owners Alliance
This legislation is a model for other states. Chicago is leading the way in modernizing how courts handle companion-animal disputes.
Coordinator
National Animal Law Center
Support HB4540 today
Join lawmakers, advocates, and animal welfare partners in modernizing Illinois custody law. Your voice matters.
HB4540 builds momentum across Illinois
Rosie's Law demonstrates growing legislative support and widespread backing from animal welfare advocates, policymakers, and media outlets across the state.
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Legislative supporters
State representatives and senators backing HB4540 to modernize companion-animal custody law.
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Media outlets covering initiative
Regional and statewide publications reporting on Rosie's Law and its impact on animal welfare policy.
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Advocacy organizations aligned
Animal welfare groups, legal experts, and policy organizations supporting the modernization effort.
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Official legislative hub
Centralized platform providing lawmakers, staff, and media with comprehensive HB4540 materials and resources.