Updated State Dog Law Protects Vulnerable Animals

The General Assembly recently approved sweeping changes to the state’s Dog Law that would ensure a humane and healthy environment for dogs living in commercial breeding kennels. The legislation was signed into law immediately after Senate passage on October 9 to protect the health and welfare of some of our Commonwealth’s most vulnerable animals.

The new law takes several important steps to ensure that dogs in commercial kennels are healthy and receive proper care. The legislation would require dogs to be checked by a veterinarian every six months and mandate that dogs could only be euthanized by a veterinarian. This provision was inserted into the legislation in response to a tragic case in Berks County that resulted in a kennel owner shooting 80 dogs to avoid providing veterinary care. The new law would subject violators to fines and the possible revocation of their license to operate.

Under the new law, kennels would also be required to double the primary enclosure size for dogs and ensure proper exercise by providing free access to an outdoor exercise area at least twice the size of their primary enclosure. The bill would prohibit the use of wire flooring and require flooring to allow for moderate drainage. This would protect dogs from the risk of injury due to the animal’s feet slipping through the flooring and ensure a more sanitary environment.

In addition, the legislation helps to set standards for lighting, ventilation, temperature and flooring options in commercial kennels. The standards will be determined by a Canine Health Board made up of nine veterinarians with expertise in treating and caring for dogs. The bill mandates that individuals convicted of animal cruelty cannot receive a kennel license. Kennels operating without a license would be subject to fines of up to $1,000 per day under the new law.

This new law will give the Department of Agriculture the tools needed to crack down on puppy mills that house dogs in shockingly poor conditions. The legislation gives Pennsylvania one of the strongest dog laws in the nation, and I am grateful that these measures will ensure the health and safety of animals that will someday serve as beloved pets for families in our area.