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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. James E. Casorio, Jr. |
  
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Sponsor of dog law bill calls for an end to stall tactics
New dog law would have prevented killing of 80 dogs by kennel owners
HARRISBURG, Aug. 13 – State Rep. James E. Casorio Jr., D-Westmoreland, again today called on a handful of legislators and special interest groups to end their efforts to block the passage of bipartisan legislation that would protect dogs at large commercial breeding kennels in Pennsylvania.
"Dogs continue to suffer and die in Pennsylvania because this group of legislators has chosen to protect irresponsible kennel owners at the expense of thousands of dogs who are sick, suffering and even being killed," said Casorio, who is the prime sponsor of H.B. 2525. The legislation would update Pennsylvania's dog law by introducing improved standards of care for dogs in large commercial breeding kennels in the state.
"In just the past few weeks, we have been reminded of the horrors that take place in some of these commercial kennels," Casorio said. "It is clear that the people who want my bill blocked view the dogs in their care simply as livestock – an expendable commodity. They do not see them or treat them as the pets and loving companions that they truly are."
Most recently, the owners of two kennels in Berks County shot to death 80 healthy dogs rather than paying for repairs at their kennels and seeking veterinary care for the dogs.
"Unfortunately, under current law, kennel owners may kill their dogs for any reason, even if it is simply to save money," Casorio said. "My legislation would add language to the dog law to prohibit this practice, and to allow only veterinarians to euthanize dogs in commercial kennels."
Casorio said the Berks County killings were just the latest in a string of incidents at commercial kennels demonstrating the need for a much-improved dog law. The Philadelphia Inquirer and other media organizations recently reported that one of the largest commercial kennels in the state, which has a decades-long history of selling sick and defective dogs to the public, has apparently been advertising dogs for sale in violation of a consent decree that required the kennel to identify itself by name because of its past history. And in July, the owner of a Chester County kennel pleaded guilty to charges after he gave members of an animal rescue organization dogs with skin conditions, abscesses, severed ears and even missing eyes.
Casorio's bill, which has nearly 100 Democratic and Republican co-sponsors, was drafted over a period of several months with the input of kennel owners, sporting dog groups, animal rescue groups, dog owners and other interested parties. It was approved by the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee in June.
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But a full vote by the House before the summer recess was blocked when a handful of Republican legislators filed scores of last-minute amendments to the bill. Casorio said many of the amendments are frivolous, such as several that seek to have the word "dishwasher" added to the list of illegal methods for housing dogs.
"The bill already lays out the requirements for proper housing for dogs in commercial kennels," Casorio said. "These types of amendments pertaining to specific containers are redundant, unnecessary and insincere, and an obvious attempt to simply stall a final vote."
Casorio said the Republican chairman of the committee, Rep. Art Hershey, R-Chester, alone has filed more than 40 amendments to the bill. A handful of other Republican legislators have also filed unnecessary amendments to block the bill's passage.
"A small number of lawmakers and others have spent the past several months spreading misinformation about the bill in an attempt to scare responsible dog owners, kennel owners and other groups interested in the health of dogs in Pennsylvania," Casorio said. "This legislation is aimed specifically at the large, commercial breeding kennels that have made this state notorious as a 'puppy mill' haven. The bill will not burden individual dog owners or other types of kennels."
Casorio said supporters of his legislation need to contact their state representative to urge a final vote on H.B. 2525 when the General Assembly returns to session the week of Sept. 15.
"We only have a small window of opportunity to pass this bill before the end of this legislative session, or who knows how many dogs will continue to suffer and die if we have to start all over again next year?" Casorio said. "The state's ability to protect the dogs in these kennels, shut the worst of these kennels down, and punish their owners is severely restricted under the current law.
"I believe the increasing publicity about the disgusting conditions and practices at some of these commercial kennels will generate more pressure to get my legislation passed. And, I'm sure that more and more people are beginning to realize that the argument by some that the status quo is adequate is both ridiculous and irresponsible."
Casorio said more information about H.B. 2525 and other efforts to improve the state's dog law is available online at www.agriculture.state.pa.us/doglawaction. Residents can also contact their local legislator and other legislators through the site.
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CONTACT: Michael J. Herzing |