WOW! That’s all I can say as I wake up to read all of my emails I have received overnight. But I read it first with Mary’s (the other Mary) comment in my previous blog. Mary, you were right, when you said that you believed it passed in the Senate and the House.
This is a long day coming and I feel speechless. I’m asking myself- did this finally happened. Yes, the bill is watered down and not completely what we wanted but PA is finally moving in the right direction to help the dogs in puppymills. And I realize there are opponents who aren’t happy with this version of HB2525. But we must remember the positives.
The Senate vote was 49-1 and the House vote was 183-7. Now HB 2525 goes before Rendell any day now from what I’ve been told. We will finally have a new dog law!!!! As soon as it hits the Governor’s desk, according to what Jessie Smith told me, he will sign it immediately into law!!!!!
What I don’t like about the bill is the state can grant a 3 year waiver fom compliance as long as a kennel hasn’t pled guilty of has been found guilty to violating dog law. There are many kennels who have not been cited as the case with Almost Heaven when they most certainly should have been just this past August. It is clear there is a problem with dog wardens passing kennel inspections when it’s been clear they have violated dog law. Because of these dog wardens and others who inspected these kennels and passed them, those kennels who have gotten away with committing violations don’t have to comply with the new requirements for at least three years- WRONG, WRONG, WRONG!!!
But the good news is that cages won’t be stacked on top of each other and the size of their cages will double. In reality, no it still isn’t right to be kept in cages 24/7, but they will be able to walk around inside their cages. Veterinarians will finally provide care and an exercise program for the dogs- YEAH!!! From what I hearing, wire flooring is banned !!
And only veterinarians would be able to euthanize dogs – VICTORY!!
All I can say is thank you to everyone who contacted their Representatives and Senators and voiced your opinion for the dogs. We have made the difference- finally, after all of these years. It’s been decades since the law has changed.
“WE TRULY ARE THE VOICES FOR THOSE WHO CANNOT SPEAK”. Please don’t ever forget that. Joining forces together has changed this law — Oh my god, it’s finally sinking in. Thank all of you for what you have done to make this happen!
I will update if I hear more specifics about the new dog law.