The Breeding Regulation Task Force
Breeding Regulation Task Force (BRTF)
Shaping the Future of Dog Welfare in Illinois
The Breeding Regulation Task Force (BRTF) is a working group of dedicated professionals from different areas in the dog world and beyond. Together, they bring a wide range of perspectives to the table with one shared goal: to raise the standard of dog breeding in Illinois and protect dogs before they’re at risk.
This task force has worked diligently to draft the proposed amendments to Illinois’ Animal Welfare Act, which aim to close existing loopholes, empower local enforcement, and create clear, enforceable standards for all breeders — not just commercial ones.
Our approach is collaborative, transparent, and grounded in real-world experience. We believe in thoughtful reform that works for responsible breeders while ensuring that every dog is born into a system of accountability and lifelong care.
Meet the Task Force
Below are the current members of the BRTF. Each brings unique experience and insight to this critical work. From veterinary and shelter professionals to policy experts, trainers, and quality systems specialists, this diverse group is united by a shared commitment to improving breeding standards and preventing dogs from entering crisis. Their combined expertise has shaped the foundation of the regulations we are working to bring forward in Illinois and beyond.
Kseniya Meyers
Trainer, Rescue Rehab Specialist, Rescue Founder
As a preventative dog trainer and behavior rehabilitation specialist, Kseniya brings over a decade of hands-on experience to the Breeding Regulation Task Force. Since 2013, she has worked extensively within the rescue system and professional kennel settings, taking on everything from easy-going companions to some of the most complex behavioral cases. Her approach blends compassion, structure, and a deep understanding of canine communication — always striving to build stronger, healthier relationships between people and dogs.
Kseniya is the founder and operator of Full Circle Dog Training and also leads the nonprofit rescue Redemption Road Rescue Rehab Inc., where she works alongside a dedicated team of staff and volunteers to create meaningful change in the lives of animals every day. Her work is fueled by an unwavering passion and a relentless drive to challenge the status quo in animal welfare. As a member of the Task Force, Kseniya is committed to advancing legislative reform in Illinois, with the long-term goal of establishing more humane breeding laws and moving the state toward becoming a no-kill community for shelter animals.
Suzanne Delaney
Regulatory & Systems Consultant
Suzanne Delaney brings a wealth of experience in healthcare administration, regulatory compliance, and organizational leadership to the Breeding Regulation Task Force. With over two decades in senior-level roles across health services, hospice care, and clinical operations, Suzanne has successfully overseen large teams, led accreditation processes, and ensured compliance with complex state and federal regulations.
Though not from a traditional animal welfare background, Suzanne’s unique expertise has been instrumental in shaping the regulatory structure of the proposed amendments to Illinois’ breeding laws. Her ability to translate operational systems into enforceable, standards-based frameworks has helped ground the Task Force’s work in clarity, accountability, and real-world application.
A certified accreditation surveyor and former Director of Health Services, Suzanne is deeply familiar with both the policy landscape and the practical challenges of implementation — making her an invaluable contributor to our legislative reform efforts.
Rhiannon Himmelmann
Dog Trainer, Rescue Advocate & Behavioral Rehabilitation Specialist
Rhiannon Himmelmann brings a strong foundation in canine behavior, rescue work, and owner education to the Breeding Regulation Task Force. With over seven years of hands-on experience working with dogs—ranging from high-energy pups to complex behavioral cases—Rhiannon’s work is rooted in a passion for giving every dog a fair chance and every owner the tools to succeed.
Her journey began as a kennel attendant, evolving into roles as a dog walker, behavioral apprentice, and ultimately a certified trainer through Animal Behavior College. She has since worked in leadership roles within behavior-focused training facilities, and currently serves as the Head Trainer at Kamp K9. She also runs her own training company, XPLR K9 Solutions Inc., and assists part-time with Tops Police K9s, bringing a unique blend of civilian and working-dog experience to the task force.
As Secretary of Maggie’s Mutts Foundation, Rhiannon advocates for better support systems within the rescue community. Her background in both the training and rescue worlds provides invaluable insight into how poor breeding and placement practices ripple into long-term behavior issues—and why prevention must begin at the source.
Heidi Weger
Shelter & Veterinary Technician
Heidi Weger brings years of hands-on experience in veterinary medicine to the Breeding Regulation Task Force. Having worked for private practice veterinary clinics that subsidize to animal shelters and local animal control, Heidi has seen firsthand the medical and emotional toll that irresponsible breeding practices can have on both animals and the systems meant to protect them.
Her background gives her a real-world perspective on the downstream impact of poor breeding decisions—from congenital issues and neglect cases to overwhelmed intake systems. On the task force, Heidi offers critical insight into the medical realities that often go unspoken in legislative conversations, helping to shape regulations that are informed, compassionate, and rooted in animal well-being.
With a deep commitment to prevention, Heidi advocates for a future where fewer dogs suffer, not because more are rescued—but because fewer end up in crisis in the first place.
Courtney Randle
Assistant Executive Director Lake County Animal Control
Courtney Randle brings vital municipal experience to the Breeding Regulation Task Force as the Assistant Executive Director of Lake County Animal Control. With a deep understanding of enforcement, community education, and the day-to-day challenges faced by animal control agencies, Courtney offers a grounded, operations-based perspective on the impact of current breeding laws—and where they fall short.
Her work has placed her on the front lines of intake, neglect investigations, and public health issues tied to irresponsible breeding practices. As a task force member, Courtney plays a key role in shaping legislation that is enforceable at the local level and aligned with the real capacity of animal control officers and agencies. Her insight ensures that proposed regulations aren’t just aspirational—they’re actionable, measurable, and sustainable.
Courtney’s voice reflects a broader goal of the task force: bridging the gap between policy and practical enforcement while supporting both dogs and the professionals who serve them.
Mary Lanckhoff
Quality Systems & Regulatory Process Advisor
Mary Lanckhoff brings more than 15 years of experience in pharmaceutical and healthcare systems management to the Breeding Regulation Task Force. With a deep background in quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and process development, Mary has played a critical role in shaping the structure and sustainability of the proposed breeding regulations.
Throughout her career, Mary has led large-scale initiatives across medical, clinical research, and safety operations, with a specialty in document control, quality systems, and cross-functional project execution. Her expertise in compliance, audit readiness, and system validation has made her an invaluable contributor to the task force’s policy development efforts, ensuring that the proposed standards are not only impactful but also implementable and aligned with best practices in regulatory governance.
Mary’s commitment to process integrity, along with her detail-oriented approach and collaborative mindset, helps bridge the gap between legislative vision and real-world execution. Her contributions ensure that the task force's work is rooted in structure, sustainability, and a long-term vision for canine welfare reform.
Kate Dalman
Founder, Herzog’s Heroes & Breeding Reform Advocate
Kate Dalman is the founder of Herzog’s Heroes and the visionary leader behind the Breeding Regulation Task Force. With a background that spans nonprofit leadership, responsible dog breeding, event coordination, and education, Kate brings a rare combination of hands-on experience and strategic insight to the fight for higher standards in canine welfare.
Her work is rooted in the belief that true change happens upstream — before a dog ever ends up in a shelter. Drawing from her years in the breeding world, Kate recognized the urgent need for structure, accountability, and education within the industry. She founded Herzog’s Heroes to address those gaps through certification, prevention-based advocacy, and cross-sector collaboration.
As the architect of the task force’s proposed regulatory framework, Kate has worked closely with professionals from a wide range of disciplines to craft policy recommendations that are both practical and impactful. Her commitment to uniting breeders, shelters, and the broader dog-loving public under a shared vision for systemic change is at the heart of the task force’s mission.
Working Together for Real Change
The Breeding Regulation Task Force was created to bring common-sense solutions to a system that too often fails dogs before they’re even born. We’re proud to be building a better future—one rooted in accountability, prevention, and compassion.
Whether you're a breeder, rescue advocate, vet professional, or dog lover, your voice matters in this effort.
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Together, we can raise the standard—and protect dogs before they're at risk.