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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Thomas Caltagirone |
  
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House passes Caltagirone animal cruelty bill
HARRISBURG, Sept. 17 – The House today passed legislation introduced by state Rep. Thomas Caltagirone, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, which would restrict the ability of untrained individuals to put Pennsylvania dogs under the knife.
Caltagirone, D-Berks, said his bill (H.B. 2532), passed with several amendments, would make significant changes to the state's animal cruelty law by prohibiting owners and breeders from performing debarking (cutting or destroying a dog’s vocal cords) and cesarean sections.
Additionally, the bill would allow tail docking on dogs only until they are 12 weeks old, provided the dog is under anesthesia and the procedure is performed by a licensed veterinarian. Removing a dog's dewclaws without anesthesia would also be permitted, but for dogs up to five days old.
"The range of abuse and cruelty cases involving Pennsylvania's dogs is appalling," Caltagirone said. "My bill implements zero tolerance for the many types of surgeries that, when performed incorrectly, cause dogs to suffer from serious pain and infection."
Caltagirone's bill also would authorize personnel working in federally registered research clinics to perform cesarean sections, but only in compliance with the Animal Welfare Act and while under the supervision of a veterinarian. It also would permit dog wardens to file cruelty charges against kennels when there is no humane society police officer to do so.
"With the help of thousands of advocates and animal lovers, the legislature is moving to combat widespread neglect and deplorable conditions in the state's puppy mills," Caltagirone said. "However, animal cruelty occurs far beyond the walls of puppy mills.
"By passing this bill, the House has offered protection against suffering by dogs because of surgical procedures performed by people who are not trained. My hope is that the Senate will join the fight and send this bill to the governor."
The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.
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