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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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Majority
Leader Bill DeWeese |
  
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Coyote damage funding increased in Dog Law
HARRISBURG, Sept. 30 – Livestock owners who have experienced trouble with coyote damage would benefit from increased funding in a program that is part of the improved state Dog Law that recently passed the House, according to Rep. Bill DeWeese.
As part of Section 706 of the bill, DeWeese increased from $20,000 to $75,000 state funding for livestock damage caused by coyotes.
"The loss of livestock relative to coyote damage is a growing concern for farmers across the Commonwealth as the coyote population continues to migrate and change. This relatively modest funding increase will go a long way toward helping our agricultural community, which continues to be one of the state’s top two industries," said DeWeese, D-Greene/Fayette/Washington.
The coyote damage issue was brought to the state lawmaker’s attention this summer by Janet Mawhinney of Cumberland Township.
"Several times in the past, the $20,000 was claimed by the middle of the year and there was nothing left for producers who suffered losses," Mawhinney said. "We have Mr. DeWeese to thank for this money, which is a welcome addition to livestock owners who lose calves, lambs and sheep to coyotes every year."
The Dog Law measure (H.B. 2525) and a companion bill dealing with other dog issues (H.B. 2532) await action by the state Senate next week.
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