House Bill 2525 which was introduced in the House of Representatives by main sponsor, Rep. Jim Casorio (D-Allegheny) is before the Senate Appropriations Committee as we speak. It appears the committe will consider it today or tomorrow.
That would mean that a vote could be expected before the Senate. The PA Senate ends its session this Wednesday.
There are changes in the amendments that were added which include a Canine Health Board which was discussed on my show by Jessie Smith, Special Deputy Secretary of Dog Law Enforcement.( You can see that show by going to the archives section at BCTV and click on A Close-Up Look at Animal Welfare Issues.)
These amendments also included a three year waiver for any kennel who hasn’t received any citations for the past three years. They woudn’t have to comply with the new regulations. I most definitely disagree with this. It is so apparent the dog wardens and others in charge are NOT doing their job as was done with Almost Heaven Kennels and the Zimmerman brothers. That is only the tip of the iceberg, believe me! They are many unlicensed breeders as well who aren’t affected. This is just plain WRONG.
The flooring would include slats and not solid flooring as orginally proposed.
Even though I don’t agree with the amendments, I feel this bill still must go through to see any kind of change for these dogs. There hasn’t been a change in a long, long time and we have never been this close to changing the law. This is the beginning of a change and a move in the right direction.
I’ll let you know what happens. Let’s hope and pray this bill passes.