|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
|
State
Rep. Mike Hanna |
  
|
Hanna to continue push for bill to reform Pa. dog law
HARRISBURG, Aug. 22 – State Rep. Mike Hanna, D-Clinton/Centre, chairman of the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, reacted to the recent shooting of 80 kennel dogs in Berks County by saying he will continue pushing to move a bill that would improve standards for commercial dog-breeding facilities.
"Most people found the shooting of these dogs disgusting and cruel, whether they're animal lovers or not," Hanna said. "Having that bill in place would help prevent similar tragic events."
House Bill 2525 would strengthen the state's dog law by introducing new requirements for the care and treatment of breeding dogs in commercial kennels that sell or transfer more than 60 dogs a year. It includes provisions that would set minimum cage size, exercise, heating and cooling, sanitation, and other standards for these large commercial kennels. The bill would specifically prohibit commercial kennel owners from shooting their dogs, but would allow the euthanization of a dog by a veterinarian.
The legislation also would give the state's dog law enforcement officers the authority to enforce the state's dog law with respect to non-licensed kennels. It is not aimed at smaller kennels, sporting clubs, rescue shelters or individual pet owners.
Hanna said the bill was voted out of his committee, but before it reached a vote on the House floor, more than 50 amendments were attached as an attempt to kill the bill. The bill is on the House voting schedule for September.
"We've gotten thousands of calls, e-mails and letters from people who support this legislation. It's what the people of Pennsylvania want. I'm asking the amendment sponsors to withdraw their amendments so that the bill can be fairly presented before the full House for a vote," Hanna said.
###vls/2008/agh
l:'print'releases'dogbillprogress.076
|
|