Many times a year, animal-related legislation is written, debated, and voted on
both at the state level and the national level. In addition, judges (who interpret the laws and often
are responsible for determining fines and punishments) often preside over animal-related cases.
The ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) has a section on their website (Lobby for Animal Welfare) where you can see all current issues regarding animal-related legislation. You can also go directly to issues for Illinois residents (this page will also show all federal issues and state-independent issues).
Don't know who represents your area? You can enter your zipcode on congress.org and it will give you all your elected congress persons (they are also working to display officials in local government as well).
Still think that man's (and woman's) inhumane acts towards animals aren't THAT important? See examples of the connection between violence against animals and violence against other humans here (courtesy of pet-abuse.com).