If you want to help the continually chained dogs of Pennsylvania, here is your chance. ONE DAY OFF FROM WORK COULD MEAN A LIFETIME TO A DOG.

                                                             The Pennsylvania Legislative Animal Network (PLAN) will be holding a press conference in support of HB 1065, (Dog chaining/tethering legislation) on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at 10:00 am, in Harrisburg at the Capitol building's rotunda.  (Car pooling from the Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania area is available.) 

Please, if you want to help the chained dog it is extremely important for animal advocates to attend.   The legislators need to see the overwhelming support of the animal community on HB 1065.   HB 1065 bans the chaining of dogs between the hours of 10:00 pm and 6:00 am.  Read the report below for more information on this bill.

 Featured speakers at the press conference will be:
 Representative Mario Scavello (HB 1065 sponsor)
 Howard Nelson, CEO of Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of  Cruelty to Animals (PSPCA)
 Tammy Grimes, Dogs Deserve Better
 Adam Goldfarb, The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)
 Amy Kaunas, Executive Director, Humane Society of the Harrisburg Area

 Please come out and support this important legislation for the chained dogs of Pennsylvania.   PLAN knows  many of the people reading this email do dog rescue everyday at  the expense of their own pocketbook, and many of the other  personal sacrifices that go along with rescue, (example: never  having a vacation, shredded furniture, lack of sleep, slogging  through bad weather).  Can you imagine relieving the suffering of thousands of dogs with one swish of a pen?  It can be done!

Directions/information: The Capitol's rotunda is located at the main entrance to the Capitol.  The stairs on the Third Street side of the Capitol lead to the main entrance.  Once you go through the main entrance you are in the rotunda.

Because the Capitol is a government building you will pass through security when entering.  If you have any questions please feel free to contact the Pennsylvania Legislative Animal Network at
 717-580-5728.  

 DATE:  March 11, 2008 (Tuesday)
 TIME:   10:00 am EST
 PLACE:  Capitol Rotunda, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania    

If you cannot attend, please contact Pennsylvania legislators in support of this bill.

Click here for a list of members of the Appropriations Committee. Urge them to let H.B. 1065 come to a vote by the full  House.  Members of House Appropriations Committee

To find your Pennsylvania legislator and urge him or her to pass H.B. 1065, click here. Find Your Pennsylvania Legislator

Talking Points: Why Passing Anti-Tethering Legislation Makes Common Sense.

The bill was originally voted out of the Judiciary Committee on September 25, 2007. But before it could be voted on in the House of Representatives, it was sent to the Appropriations Committee.

This is a common sense bill that restricts people from tethering and chaining dogs between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Also, any tether or chain must be at least 6 feet long or 5 times as long as the dog, whichever is longer. The tether or chain must be attached so that it does not become tangled or cause the dog injury and must allow the dog access to food, water and adequate shelter from the sun. The tether or chain must be attached to a properly fitted collar; no choke, pinch or prong-type collars maybe used.

Dogs used for herding other animals are excepted; also dogs may be chained for safety during agricultural operations or on camping or other recreational trips.

Click here for a look at the Face of Chaining in Pennsylvania.