Back in Session Going to the Dogs

Pennsylvania's had the unfortunate distinction of being in the news and even on Oprah for some horrible abuses involving cruel and inhumane dog breeders and the apparent inability of the Commonwealth to effectively regulate and eradicate puppy mills. Today we had the chance--voting on dozens of amendments to HB 2525, a very lengthy and comprehensive bill that provides regulations for cage sizes, exercise, lighting in kennels and many other aspects of dog care for puppies and dogs who are born or kept in commercial kennels or who are simply away from home at a kennel for hours or days. The goal was to come up with a law that would be easier to enforce than current law by providing clear standards for responsible breeders and kennel owners to follow and for humane officers to enforce without putting responsible dog breeders and kennels out of business. It is a difficult thing to legislate specific standards that will apply throughout this very large Commonwealth where rural and suburban and urban dwellers might not have the same standards for acceptable dog care. We all know what we don't like and don't want to see--on Oprah or anywhere--but deciding whether a kennel needs "ten foot candles of light" or "60 watt lightbulbs" is a bit tougher. If all the amendments have been heard (and I think they have although new ones could be filed), then the bill will be ready for a Floor vote on Wednesday. Since we finished after 6:30 PM tonight, and under our new rules, it needs 24 hours after amendment before it can be voted, it could be voted Tuesday night but Wednesday is more likely. Many people will heave a sigh of relief when the bill passes (and it will) and moves on to the Senate for action there. My dog, Scout, however, will be none the wiser about such things since he prefers to sleep the end of my bed to any kennel ! Kate Harper