| PA Governor Rendell Signs Bill to Better Protect Dogs in Commercial Kennels |
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October 10, 2008 The new law, Act 119 of 2008, eliminates deplorable conditions in
puppy breeding operations and provides for better health among dogs in
commercial kennels. Governor Rendell said the new law will help to improve Pennsylvania's tarnished reputation in this area. "I'm pleased to say, under this new law, commercial kennels that
previously bred large numbers of dogs with little regard for their
health or well-being must now improve the condition of their operations
and give proper care and treatment to the dogs they house," said
Governor Rendell. "We've all heard of the atrocities committed by
commercial kennel operators that would rather shoot their dogs than pay
for proper veterinary care. Those kinds of stories have given
Pennsylvania the unwelcome reputation as the 'Puppy Mill Capitol of the
East.' "Pennsylvania law previously allowed dogs to be kept in cramped,
stacked cages their entire lives with no opportunity for exercise and
minimal care. These deplorable conditions led to dogs with physical and
psychological problems and a poor standard of living. With this bill,
those standards of care are finally raised. "This is good news for the dogs in the kennels and dog lovers
throughout the state. One day these dogs are going to become a member
of someone's family. We want to be sure it's a welcome addition and
provide a measure of reassurance to the family that their new dog will
be happy and healthy." House Bill 2525 addressed the health and welfare needs of the dogs
housed in large commercial breeding kennels. A provision that allows
only veterinarians to euthanize dogs in commercial breeding kennels
takes effect immediately. The law requires all commercial breeding kennels to meet the new
physical standards for cage size and flooring within one year, unless
granted a temporary waiver by the Department of Agriculture.
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