Landmark Puppy Mill Bill Passed!

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| Print | By | October 24, 2008 3:17 PM

A little over two weeks ago, The Pennsylvania Legislature passed HB2525, a landmark bill that will ensure a better life for thousands of puppies and dogs languishing in Pennsylvania's puppy mills.

The bill was introduced in May 2008. HB2525 requires that cages for dogs are doubled in size for Pennsylvania's commercial breeding establishments, prohibits stacking of cages and wire flooring. It also mandates twice-yearly veterinary examinations for all dogs, and that only licensed veterinarians humanely euthanize animals, when necessary.

This bill is one step closer to humane living enviroments for all dogs

For over three years, the ASPCA has been working closely with the Governor's Office and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to provide better enforcement of these rules and assure that higher standards of care are provided. The ASPCA lobbied for the passage of HB 2525 by spending many recent months in Harrisburg, educating and promoting this bill to legislators the State Capital and activating the Pennsylvania members of the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade. The day after the bill passed, Govenor Ed Rendell signed HB2525 into law.

HB 2525, "The puppy mill reform bill" passed in a landslide victory of 49-1. The euthanasia portion of the bill went into effect immediately; therefore, it is no longer legal in Pennsylvania for individuals to shoot their own dogs.

Pennsylvania residents may thank their legislators for their support in getting this bill passed, by visiting http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/BI/BH/2007/0/HB2525.HTM
You can also see how your representatives voted on the site.

As an animal lover, I was thrilled to read how Pennsylvania took such a strong humane stand to improve the quality of care that dogs receive in their state. I just cannot imagine about what the one holdout legislator was thinking when he or she cast a negative vote.

Puppy mills thrive around the entire country. What would you do, as an animal lover, to help your state pass similar laws to protect both dogs and cats bred in mills? Leave a comment with your suggestions.

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Heather October 25, 2008 11:34 AM

It's not just puppy mills that are problem, it's people who 'hoard' dogs as well. I know of a couple near me who have 15 dogs, 6 cats and 7 birds in their doublewide mobile home. I was invited to their place and was appalled at the living conditions these animals were living in. The dogs were full of fleas and were practically scratching their skin off.
I informed these people that if they did not clean their place up and get some flea protection for their dogs, I would turn them in. They mean well and do love their animals but just apparently don't realize all that's involved in caring for so many animals. They live back off main road and people are always leaving animals which doesn't help either. They have cleaned place up to where it doesn't stink when you walk in door and I am helping them with their flea problem.

Vicki October 25, 2008 12:04 PM

Hallelujah! It's about time. I wish all states would adopt this. Animals have been mistreated for way too many years. It is about time something was done about it.

Kathy Kvarda October 25, 2008 1:03 PM

My first Boston was bought at a pet store and was clearly from a puppy mill (Ended up here is Washington, DC., born in Arizona.) I knew nothing then about puppy mills and it was my vet that clued me in about the conditions in this pet store. (DOCTORS..now out of business). I was lucky. My "Lucy" was good with people but never really got over trying to dominate other dogs. Last year, a shelter shith tzu that I got from a rescue group died suddenly during a routine exam at the vets. My vet and I were devastated. The autopsy reveled major congenital problem with the internal organs including a significantly malformed heart. The pathologist was amazed that Snoopy had lived as long as he had. (We figured that he was 3 to 4 years old.) He was the product of "backyard breeders."
This bill gets my wholehearted support!!!

Kathy

Joanne Frank October 25, 2008 1:44 PM

I think it's a great step forward. I only hope that they have enough inspectors to enforce it.

Amy October 25, 2008 3:36 PM

All I can say is "Bravo" Pennsylvania! Every state should have such a law. I live in N.Y. state and would love to see a law like that passed here as soon as possible.

Cheryl G October 25, 2008 6:26 PM

I am VERY HAPPY to hear the news. I knew PA had A LOT of puppy mills. My dog, who passed recently came from a puppy mill. He had just turned eight - that is way too young to go to heaven. At the time I bought him, I didn't know anything about puppy mills. I will now do anything to put an end to these horrendous puppy mills!!

GREAT ARTICLE JO!!

lj October 26, 2008 7:33 PM

hi jo,

Think I'll reserve any commentary for a later time. I'm wanting to see how far they're willing to go to enforce the new legislature. That is most important when it comes to lives. And that is always the tell all about the tale, isn't it?

Like you, I sure hope they do enforce this in each and every instance. Dogs deserve better than to be produced like bunnies. It's disgusting, inhumane and so unnecessary!

Thanks for posting the news though! Always look forward to good news, and you Jo, are so very much appreciated!!

Smile, . .
jock

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