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Gov. Ryan signs pet-friendly bill

Gov. George Ryan in January signed HB61, whereby Illinois motorists will be able to purchase pet-friendly state license plates. A portion of the proceeds will be devoted to pet over-population control. The bill and the plates are expected to help promote awareness and to aid in the effort to halt the disposal of hundreds of thousands of unwanted pets each year in Illinois. These funds will enable Illinois nonprofit organizations to provide low-cost spay and neuter services and thereby reduce the killing of homeless pets. In Chicago alone over 36,000 stray and homeless pets are being destroyed annually. At the signing, Gov. Ryan introduced Lincoln Park resident Paula Fasseas, founder of Pets Are Worth Saving (PAWS), Chicago’s largest no-kill humane organization. HB61, sponsored by state Rep. Sara Feigenholtz and state Sen. Kirk Dillard, originated from the efforts of both PAWS and the ASPCA to help prevent animal overpopulation. Secretary of State Jesse White has indicated that he expects pet-friendly plates to be available to the public by early March.

PAWS fundraiser gala Friday

Tickets are still available to the 2002 Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce Heart of the Park Gala this Friday, Feb. 22, at 7 p.m., in the Chicago Historical Society, Clark St. at North Ave. The Gala is held annually to raise funds for the chamber and for community projects and non-profit organizations. This year’s recipient is Pets Are Worth Saving (PAWS). Tickets are $100; the event includes an open bar and features catering from some of Lincoln Park’s finest restaurants. For more information call (773) 880-5200.