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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 8, 2008

A Capitol Perspective
A column by State Senator Pat Browne
16th Senatorial District

New Law Ensures Humane Treatment of Dogs

Before closing out the 2007-08 Legislative Session, the Senate approved a series of necessary changes to Pennsylvania's Dog Law to ensure a humane and healthy environment for dogs living in commercial breeding kennels.

While a majority of Pennsylvania's dog breeders already provide a caring and compassionate environment for their animals, there were a few who did not. Instead, these "puppy mills'' were places of terror and unspeakably inhumane conditions. It was essential that the state step in to take decisive corrective actions.

The new requirements we passed this fall apply to all kennels that breed or whelp dogs and sell or transfer more than 60 dogs per calendar year, as well as those who sell any dog to a dealer or pet-shop kennel.

Under Act 119 of 2008,  kennels were required to double the primary enclosure size for dogs and ensure proper exercise by providing free access to an outdoor exercise area at least twice the size of their primary enclosure.

The exercise area can be located indoors if the local municipality prohibits an outdoor exercise area for dogs. The new law prohibits the use of wire flooring and requires that the flooring in the dogs' living area allows for moderate drainage.

In addition, the new law created a Canine Health Board made up of nine veterinarians with expertise in treating and caring for dogs. This board will set standards for lighting, ventilation, temperature and flooring options for breeding kennels. The board also has the authority to review requests from kennel owners for an exercise plan that would provide as much or more exercise as required by law.

Act 119 requires kennels to have their dogs checked by a veterinarian every six months and mandates that dogs can only be euthanized by a veterinarian. This provision was inserted in response to a recent tragic case in Berks County where a kennel owner shot 80 dogs to avoid paying for necessary veterinary care.

The legislation also provides new tools for the Department of Agriculture to protect the health and safety of dogs and establishes civil and criminal penalties for failure to comply with the new law. Individuals convicted of animal cruelty cannot receive a kennel license and kennels operating without a license would be subject to fines of up to $1,000 per day under the new law.

This new law cracks down on abuse and cruelty while ensuring that these animals be treated in a humane fashion. I believe that's the least we can do to repay the love and loyalty of "man's best friend."

State Senator Pat Browne represents the 16th Senatorial District and serves as Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee.