State Representative James Casorio Jr. has sent out a letter to the Department of Agriculture protesting the proposed changes to the wire flooring and exercise components of the new PA Dog Law in commercial breeding facilities (puppymills) as stated by Jesse Smith and Sue West of the Bureau of Dog Law. If you remember, they wanted to change Act 119, the new PA Dog Law. They wanted to keep wire flooring and also wanted to change that part of the law concerning exercise. They felt nursing mothers did not need exercise at least six months out of the year.
Well, Rep. James Casorio has spoken. And, of course, he should. He is the one behind this law. I am so glad he is speaking up for the dogs and the law that all of us animal advocates fought so hard to get changed.
Casorio states in the letter these proposed changes are outrageous and need to be pulled.
He also states “In several cases, the department has been slow to enforce the law, and has been quick to offer waivers to owners who have not yet been able to, or have not been inclined to, bring their operations into compliance with the law.””Commercial breeder dogs have suffered long enough,” Casorio said. “Now that we have a law that protects these dogs, I am going to make sure that the men and women who are charged with enforcing it do their jobs – not the bidding of commercial breeders.”
Casorio states no wire flooring may be used in commercial kennels and all dogs must have access to an outdoor excercise area as stated in the law.
He continues to say, “It is imperative that the health and safety of dogs throughout the Commonwealth and the intent of the state’s Dog Law be maintained for years to come. The Dog Law was specifically written to protect mother dogs and their puppies and is often seen as model legislation to ensure the health and safety of dogs throughout the nation.”
Rendell also has told the Department to pull these changes.
This law is binding and must be upheld. The law is the law. It was changed to protect the welfare of these dogs stuck in these horrific places. Why would anyone want to make changes that revert back to the old law?