Help Stop Challenge to 2008 PA Dog Law
Update Nov. 11, 2011: H.R. 89 is now scheduled for a vote as early as Monday, November 14, 2011 by the full Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
After passing committee in March, the bill has been laid on the table and removed a few times, meaning it has been tabled and then revived, the latest ressurection on October 3, 2011.
Jenny Stephens, founder of North Pennsylvania Puppy Mill Watch (NPPMW) decries the bill as an effort by legislators who support commercial dog breeders to undo the 2008 Dog Law. "For the last five years companion animal advocates across the state have worked hard - very hard - to ensure that dogs trapped in puppy mills have basic protections... things like water and food, vet care, exercise and a clean living environment. These are the fundamental components of Act 119 of 2008 - the new Dog Law.
"According to Act 119 of 2008 all commercial kennels in Pennsylvania are currently to have meters installed in their kennels that monitor temperature, humidity and ammonia levels.
"By way of information recently obtained via the state's right-to-know act, these meters are not in place in a majority of the commercial kennels yet violations for their absence is not being recorded as an infraction on the state kennel inspection reports.
"We may only speculate as to why this is happening however, we firmly believe that the newest attempt to thwart the required kennel improvements - let's call it the Breeder's Plan B - comes via House Resolution 89.
"The concept behind HR89 is to indebt the state monetarily for the purpose of conducting a study to show that the new Dog Law has been ineffective.
"This study is ridiculous on two fronts:
1) the new Dog Law has never been fully implemented; and
2) the new Dog Law has never been fully enforced.
"If, however, HR89 passes and the study is performed, we believe it will enable the breeders the ability to reopen the Dog Law and scale back the majority of provisions currently protecting the dogs in the "C" class (or commercial) kennels.
"We believe that the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement is currently permitting commercial kennels to operate without the required meters because they are confident that HR89 will pass and make the installation of the meters unnecessary."
For more on H.R. 89 and how you can help stop it, read Animal Law Coalition's earlier report below. For more on other efforts to undermine the 2008 Dog law.....
Original report March 2, 2011: House Resolution 89 was just introduced little more than a week ago by Pennsylvania state Rep. Gordon Denlinger. On Tuesday, March 1, 2011 with virtually no notice, the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee held a hearing and approved the measure.
The bill now goes to the full Pennsylvania House of Representatives for a vote.
This bill would "direct the Joint State Government Commission to study and review the economic impact" of the 2008 amendments to the Dog Law. The study would address the following:
(1) The feasibility of implementing the commercial kennel canine health regulatory standards on July 1, 2011;
(2) Amendments to the Dog Law or regulatory standards that could be made to address "problems" identified by the study; and
(3) The estimated economic impact on these small businesses and on the Commonwealth from implementation of the 2008 law and its accompanying regulatory standards.
No word on the cost of such a "study" which is clearly a calculated effort to undo the 2008 amendments to the Dog Law. The preamble to the resolution contains unsubstantiated claims sympathetic to puppy mills:
"Owners of commercial dog kennels have made substantial investments in land, buildings, equipment, animals, veterinary care, food and supplies to operate their businesses; and
...It is estimated that the number of licensed commercial dog kennels has been reduced by more than 75% since the enactment of amendments to the Dog Law [in 2008]; and
...It is estimated that the economic losses suffered by these important small businesses is potentially millions of dollars; and
...It is estimated that the loss of these kennels has resulted in the loss of numerous full-time and part-time positions, the loss of several million dollars in sales tax and the loss of many millions of dollars in taxable income; and
...Due to the loss of commercial dog kennels, it is estimated that the veterinary services industry has lost considerable income and that the sale of pet products and dog food has significantly declined; and
...The professional engineers who must certify the ventilation systems as required under 7 Pa. Code Ch. 28a (relating to commercial kennel canine health regulations) have raised questions about the reasonableness and appropriateness of some of the standards required; and
...Questions have been raised related to whether or not the costs associated with implementing the requirements of the regulatory standards are reasonable and appropriate; and
...Obtaining the proper guidance for professional engineers will take time and require possible modification of the regulatory standards before they can be implemented".
Translation: The puppy mills and veterinarians that support them are losing profits by having to provide humane care as required under the 2008 law and they want a "study" to justify repeal of the measure.
This comes despite that the Dept. of Agriculture in conjunction with the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement issued regulations that appeased breeders by watering down substantial provisions of the 2008 Dog Law. The regulations eviscerated requirements for Class C kennels to provide dogs with "unfettered access" to an exercise area and housing with no wiring flooring for dogs over 12 weeks of age.
Now the entire law is in jeopardy. The American Kennel Club supports HR 89. The dogs need you.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Find your PA state legislators here. (Just put in your zipcode) and write (faxes or letters are best) or call and urge them to stop H.R. 89, a waste of taxpayer money and an effort to undermine the 2008 Dog Law protections against puppy mills.
