The bill passed. Now, sign the petition to bring Rosie home.
HB 4540 — the Companion Animal Custody Equity Act — has passed both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly. But Rosie is still not home. Your signature shows lawmakers that Illinois is ready for what comes next and that Rosie deserves to be reunited with the caregiver who raised, stabilized, and loved her.
The protection already existed. HB 4540 extended it.
Illinois family courts could already consider a companion animal’s wellbeing when a married couple divorces. HB 4540 did not ask for anything new or extraordinary. It asked courts to apply that same standard in civil disputes between unmarried partners. And now, it has passed. The bill establishes four factors for the court to evaluate: care (daily caregiving), cost (financial responsibility), control (decision-making authority), and continuity (which placement offers the animal the most stability). If you are an attorney, clinician, lawmaker, veterinarian, or someone who has navigated this gap in the law — your voice carries particular weight right now. Sign the petition. Share the story. Help bring Rosie home.
Six actions that move HB 4540 forward
Whether you have five minutes or five hours, there is a meaningful way to contribute.
Sign the petition
Add your name to the public petition calling on the Illinois General Assembly to pass HB 4540. Every signature demonstrates constituent demand to your legislators.
Contact your legislators
Call or write your Illinois state representative and senator. Tell them you support HB 4540 and why. Personal constituent contact is one of the most effective forms of legislative pressure.
Submit written testimony
Attorneys, clinicians, veterinarians, and animal welfare professionals are encouraged to submit letters of support or written testimony to the Illinois General Assembly. Contact us for guidance.
Share the story
The more people who understand this legal gap, the more pressure there is to close it. Share Justice for Rosie with your networks, colleagues, and community groups.
Media and press coverage
Journalists, podcasters, and legal commentators: we welcome press inquiries. Rosie’s story is on the record. Dr. Siddiqui is available for interviews and commentary on HB 4540.
Connect professionally
Are you a legal professional, animal welfare organization, policy advocate, or academic researcher? We are building a coalition. Reach out to discuss how to formally align your work with this initiative.
From the record: voices who showed up for HB 4540
As someone who lost custody of my companion animal under Illinois’ current property law, I understand exactly what this gap costs. Five years of daily care — dismissed. HB 4540 would have changed my outcome.
Amanda Foster
Pet owner and advocate, Chicago
I’ve spent years in family law watching courts ignore what should be obvious: the person who showed up every day should have standing. HB 4540 gives courts the authority to recognize exactly that.
James Rodriguez
Family law attorney, Illinois
The veterinary record tells a clear story of primary care. A court should be able to read it. HB 4540 makes that possible.
Dr. Patricia Okonkwo
Veterinarian, Chicago
Companion animal custody is often a coercive control issue. Taking an animal from a primary caregiver is a power move. HB 4540 names that dynamic and creates a framework to address it.
Sarah Mitchell
Coercive control specialist, Illinois
HB 4540 is introduced. The next step is passage.
This is where the initiative stands as of spring 2026. Momentum is building. Public support is essential.
Done
HB 4540 introduced in the Illinois General Assembly
400+
Petition signatures and counting
50
States that could model this legislation
5
Years Rosie lived as a documented primary-care companion
Rosie will be fourteen this year. Please move with urgency.
This is not a sentimental request. It is a legislative one. The bill exists. The standard exists. The gap exists. Sign the petition, contact your legislators, and share this cause with everyone who should know it.