Senator Andy Dinniman at Tuesday’s press conference
The package of pet protection bills (listed below) were officially announced by Senators Andy Dinniman and Rich Alloway II on Tuesday:
- Senate Bill 522, which sets standards for tethering dogs in relation to the length, safety and fit of the tether, as well as the availability of food, water, shade and suitable temperature.
- Senate Bill 862, which would amend the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to allow therapy dogs on public transportation, including buses and trains.
- Senate Bill 863, which would add a section to Pennsylvania’s Animal Cruelty Law to specifically address when animals are injured or killed in a domestic violence situation.
- Senate Bill 718, which would allow all Dog Law fines and penalties collected to remain in the Dog Law Restricted Account to help toward sustaining the operations of the Office of Dog Law Enforcement.
- Senate Bill 1107, which would prevent kennel owners who lose their license due to violations of the state’s Dog Law to continue operating by having a license issued to an immediate family member or another individual who resides at the same address.
Dinniman said, “This legislative package marks an important step forward for dogs, cats and other pets in Pennsylvania as we continue to work to ensure that they are treated properly, humanely and with the care and attention they deserve. We are committed to working in the spirit of bipartisanship to see these bills passed because our pets are beloved members of our families.”
“Pets offer their owners a never-ending stream of love and companionship that has direct impact on our mood, health and overall quality of life,” Alloway said. “The purpose of these bills is to ensure these cherished members of our families are never subjected to cruel or inhumane treatment at any stage of their lives.”
To view Tuesday’s full press conference on the capitol steps, click on the following link.http://pasen.wistia.com/medias/9d7vhpg774
YAY!
Don’t buy from China. They’re getting rich off of us and making our pets die!
Alright! At least we have two legislators who seem to genuinely care about animals. Now, it’s the waiting game to get them passed. Took forever for the dog law which is now a joke. Hope the same doesn’t happen with these bills.
This is good news but I won’t hold my breath. Do you have any idea how long we’ve been waiting to get a bill for tethered dogs? Animal legislation in PA moves along so slowly. Five bills in one shot has little chance to pass. I applaud the effort but the reality is PA doesn’t work fast on these bills and the animals suffer. SHAME ON PA!
It all sounds good but I fear they will go nowhere like so many bills before them.
glad to hear