Scott Reeder SPRINGFIELD – A well-intentioned, but really dumb, bill pending before the Legislature would allow pet shops to sell dogs and cats only if they are obtained from a pound or rescue group. The idea behind House Bill 1711 is to put so-called “puppy mills” out of business. That’s a noble goal. Unfortunately, the measure won’t help a single dog or cat and the only establishments it will cause to fold are reputable pet stores. Under this bill, consumers could buy dogs from breeders. But pet stores would be prohibited from purchasing from them. “This bill is being driven by emotion, not facts. If this bill passes it will put us out of business,” said Ana Soskic, president of Furry Babies, which has pet stores in Rockford, Aurora and Lombard.