|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
|
State
Rep. Tony DeLuca |
  
|
DeLuca supports bill to better regulate dog-breeding kennels
HARRISBURG, May 15 – State Rep. Tony DeLuca, D-Allegheny, is cosponsoring legislation designed to improve deplorable conditions in Pennsylvania's commercial dog-breeding kennels.
DeLuca said the bill (H.B. 2525) would improve living conditions and standards of care in commercial kennels. The legislation has 90 bipartisan co-sponsors.
"I am appalled, as are so many people in my district, at the barbaric treatment of dogs at some commercial kennels across the state," DeLuca said. "It's time to put an end to puppy mills in Pennsylvania."
The Allegheny County legislator said other bills he supports would improve the standards for the care and treatment of all dogs in the Commonwealth. Among other things, the legislation would double the minimum floor space requirement for cages, make sure breeding dogs get exercise, require solid flooring in cages, prohibit cage stacking and require breeders to provide dogs with veterinary care.
In addition, the legislation would prohibit dog owners from performing "debarking" -- cutting or destroying a dog's vocal cords -- and permit dog wardens to file cruelty charges against kennels when there is no humane society police officer available.
DeLuca said the legislation is the consensus of dog lovers, owners, rescuers and breeders on what kind of a dog law Pennsylvania needs to ensure these animals are healthy and safe.
"It’s a shame that some of these animals have to endure such pain and suffering in their lives," DeLuca said. "It's about time we step up to the plate and make our state a leader in stopping this inhumane treatment of dogs."
###rrc/2008/bt
l:'print'releases'dogbill.032