The Pennsylvania Dog Law

Here in Pennsylvania our governor, Ed Rendell, has been lobbying long and hard to get his puppy mill bill passed. The Dog Law (H. B. 2525) is aimed at closing puppy mills which is why it mandates all kennels housing 26 or more dogs to conform to specific size regulations, keep daily sanitation and cleaning records (of dogs as well as facilities), require daily exercise on a lead and generally enforce clean, humane living conditions for the occupants.

What happened is that fox hunters who have kennels of more that 26 dogs were not happy about the requirements which also apply to them. They mounted a counter-lobbying effort to exempt sporting and hobby dog kennels, since they do not operate to make a profit. Their lobbying efforts have been successful and the bill now has amendments that exempt sporting dogs from the restrictive clauses.

There was also a sneaking suspicion that PETA and other animal activist groups were behind the original bill and that the intention was to eliminate fox hunting in Pennsylvania.

It does not seem as if all groups are happy with the changes to date and the bill still has a ways to go before it becomes law. It is currently in the House Appropriations Committee and it will be there until after Labor Day. If and when it makes it to the senate floor, it faces stiff opposition from other bills that might prove more "voter-friendly" to those facing re-election in this election year.

Either way, expect heated debate from all sides if and when the bill ever gets before members of the state legislature. And it should be noted that while the new version does mandate additional floor space for kenneled dogs as well as access to an outdoor exercise area twice the size of the dog's primary enclosure, it does not prevent the existence of large scale, multi-breed, reproductive factories. It does makes the requirements for operating one, more "humane," but these requirements need to be enforced.

"Every day that goes by without action on H.B. 2525 only prolongs the suffering of dogs kept in commercial breeding kennel cages their entire lives," says Jessie Smith, Pennsylvania's special deputy secretary for dog law enforcement.

I believe Governor Rendell, whose own golden retriever, Maggie, was rescued from a puppy mill, has his heart in the right place when it comes to animal welfare and it would be a great legacy to have this bill ratified before he leaves office.

Those of you in Pennsylvania can make your support known by contacting your local state representative and voicing your support for H. B. 2525.