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GUEST COLUMN |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State Rep.
Bryan Lentz |
  
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Sept. 10, 2008
Defending man’s best friend
By state Rep. Bryan R. Lentz
Months ago, I submitted a letter discussing the dismal conditions and abuses taking place in some of Pennsylvania’s commercial dog-breeding facilities. The deplorable conditions in these "puppy mills" surprised many people, and have since sparked conversation across Pennsylvania. After a commercial breeder killed 80 dogs under his care in July, most Pennsylvanians were shocked to learn that it is not against the law in Pennsylvania to shoot your own dog.
No one wants responsible kennels to be the target of negative publicity. But the bottom line is this: we need to stop the suffering that our faithful companions endure in commercial-breeding facilities.
Unhealthy treatment in puppy mills can include being held in wire cages only slightly larger than the size of a dog's body, no access to water for up to 18 hours a day, and no exercise. Dogs suffer from diseases acquired in these poor conditions.
I was pleased to learn that H.B. 2525 will come to the floor for a vote when lawmakers return to session Sept. 15. The legislation would strengthen existing law by updating requirements for the care of these dogs in commercial kennels that sell or transfer more than 60 dogs a year.
New provisions would set minimum cage-size, exercise, heating and cooling, sanitation and other standards for these kennels. The bill would specifically prohibit commercial kennel owners from shooting their dogs, and would only allow the euthanization of a dog by a veterinarian.
We have many important issues facing Pennsylvanians right now, such as health care and property tax reform. This is, however, one of those issues that calls to us to do the right thing. We need to do it now, to end the suffering of those we call man's best friend.
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