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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Thomas Caltagirone |
  
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Caltagirone bill to protect dogs sent to full House
HARRISBURG, June 24 – State Rep. Thomas Caltagirone's bill to strengthen the state's animal cruelty law to protect Pennsylvania's dogs from having to undergo painful surgeries performed by non-veterinarians today passed out of the House Judiciary Committee, and was sent to the full House for a vote.
Caltagirone, D-Berks, said as the law currently stands there is very little oversight and not enough substance to properly ensure the safety of Pennsylvania's dogs because owners and breeders, with no formal training, have the power to personally perform several types of surgical procedures on the animals.
His legislation (H.B. 2532) is part of a package under Gov. Ed Rendell’s initiative to make sweeping changes to the state's dog and animal cruelty laws and would prohibit owners and breeders from performing:
· tail docking on dogs more than 3 days old;
· debarking (cutting or destroying a dog’s vocal cords);
· removing the dewclaws on dogs more than 5 days old; and
· cesarean sections.
The legislation would instead require the procedures be performed by a licensed veterinarian. Personnel working in federally registered research clinics would be authorized to perform cesarean sections, but only in compliance with the Animal Welfare Act, and while under the supervision of a veterinarian.
The bill also would permit dog wardens to file cruelty charges against kennels when there is no humane society police officer to do so.
"Thousands of dogs have died as a result of these surgeries or suffered from serious pain and infection. Many are euthanized due to behavioral changes," said Caltagirone, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.
"I agree that pet owners and breeders know what is best for their dogs. Knowing what's best should include using common sense and leaving serious surgeries to the experts."
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