HARRISBURG – The Humane Society of the United States and ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) applauded members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly today for passing legislation that improves the dog law and cracks down on puppy mills in the state.
H.B. 2525 first passed 49 to 1 in the Senate and then received final approval in the House with a vote of 183 to 7. It now goes to the desk of Gov. Ed Rendell, who has made eliminating puppy mills a priority issue this year.
Raids of puppy mills during the last few months – including one last week that is reputedly the largest in state history − have shown how critical this legislation is for the well-being of dogs in less-reputable kennels. Pennsylvania is considered one of the worst puppy mill states in the nation.
"We are extremely pleased with today's votes and look forward to seeing Governor Rendell sign this bill into law," said Sarah Speed, Pennsylvania State Director for The HSUS. "People all across the state should know their tremendous support made a difference for dogs today."
Yesterday, amendments were added in the Senate Appropriations Committee – some of which were not supported by the The HSUS and ASPCA. However, the overall bill voted on by the Senate this afternoon and the House this evening will still have a tremendous impact on the lives of tens of thousands of dogs.
"We want to thank all the senators who worked so hard today and yesterday to assure the passage of this important legislation," said Cori Menkin, Senior Director of Legislative Initiatives for the ASPCA. "Today's votes – paired with last month's original passage in the House − send a clear message that the vast majority of lawmakers want to ensure all kennel owners in the state provide humane treatment to the dogs they use and sell."
Among other provisions, H.B. 2525 would double the minimum floor space for primary enclosures and prohibit the use of wire flooring for dogs over the age of 12 weeks. It also would require that dogs have access to an exercise area twice the size of their primary enclosure, eliminate the stacking of dog cages, and mandate veterinary visits at least twice a year.
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About The HSUS
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — on the web at humanesociety.org.
About the ASPCA®
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) was the first humane organization established in the Americas, and today has more than one million supporters throughout North America. A 501 [c] [3] not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA's mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. The ASPCA provides local and national leadership in animal-assistance therapy, animal behavior, animal poison control, anti-cruelty, humane education, legislative services, and shelter outreach. The New York City headquarters houses a full-service, accredited animal hospital, adoption center, and mobile clinic outreach program. The Humane Law Enforcement department enforces New York's animal cruelty laws and is featured on the reality television series "Animal Precinct" on Animal Planet. For more information, please visit www.aspca.org.
