Governor Rendell at today’s ceremonial signing of PA’s new Dog Law
A ceremonial signing of the new PA Dog Law took place in front of the CARES Animal Hospital (Center for Animal Referral and Emergency Services) in Langhorne at noon today. Approximately 100 people were in attendance including Governor Rendell, legislators, members of the Dog Law Advisory Board, animal advocates, rescue organizations, private citizens and some puppymill dog survivors. It was a gorgeous day to “sign” House Bill 2525 into law.
Governor Rendell stated that he signed the bill into law one hour after he initially received it. He said he didn’t want to wait for the ceremonial signing to change the previous dog law. The previous dog law was signed in 1982.
Although I took photos and videotape, you can read and view the story from Channel 3 news here. (side note: The above picture I took of Rendell today was taken with me sandwiched between a Ch.3 cameraman and another cameraman. They were very nice to me – thank you gentlemen.)
The new law will increase cage size, eliminate cage stacking and wire flooring, require an exercise area for the dogs and veterinary care. The law has put into effect immediately that dogs from a puppymill/kennel will only be allowed to be euthanized by a veterinarian. Rendell said the shooting deaths of 80 dogs this past July in Berks County help to push House Bill 2525 into law. Those dogs did not die in vain. CARES Animal Hospital sees approximately 150 puppies each year from puppymills.
A promising new beginning for puppymill dogs ~ there is still work to do.