|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
|
State
Rep. W. Curtis Thomas |
|
Thomas proposal included in dog law legislation
HARRISBURG, Sept. 17 – State Rep. W. Curtis Thomas, D-Phila, said legislation (H.B. 2525) he co-sponsored to overhaul Pennsylvania's dog law passed the House today.
The legislation is aimed at improving care and conditions at Pennsylvania's commercial kennels. The bill would, for the first time in Pennsylvania, define commercial kennels and set standards for these kennels that generally mirror those required by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Commercial kennels would be defined as any kennel where dogs are bred and where dogs are sold or transferred to a dealer or pet shop, or where 60 or more dogs are sold or transferred in a calendar year.
A proposal authored by Thomas was included in an amendment to H.B. 2525. The proposal calls for citizens to place a muzzle on the mouths of dogs deemed to be dangerous. A dog will be deemed dangerous once there is an unprovoked attack. A muzzle is required whenever a dangerous dog is left alone or outside with the owner.
Thomas said this proposal, which received overwhelming support in the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, is particularly relevant due to reports of a recent dog attack in Germantown.
"The regulations under my proposal will allow residents of Philadelphia to take back their neighborhoods from thugs and drug dealers who use dangerous dogs as an intimidation tool," Thomas said. "It will also allow police officers to interfere with drug activity without fear of being attacked by dogs."
House Bill 2525 would have little, if any, impact on non-commercial kennels such as boarding kennels, private sporting or hobby kennels, pet stores, rescue shelters or nonprofit kennels. While all kennels would have to be equipped with fire extinguishers and have vet-approved exercise plans for their dogs, only about 650 of the 2,750 licensed kennels in Pennsylvania would fall under the definition of commercial kennel and be subject to the major provisions of the bill.
The legislation now goes to the state Senate.
###ac/2008/jma
l:'print'releases'doglaw.181