The Rally for Libre’s Law was held this afternoon on the Capitol Steps in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania where Senator Rich Alloway introduced his piece of legislation, Senate Bill 1372 aka Libre’s Law to prevent animal cruelty. Libre’s Law will increase penalties for certain offenses against animals. Alloway said District Attorneys will have a tool to go after the worst animal abuse offenders and finally have the ability to charge them with a felony in line with most other states. Libre’s Law also adds a new classification for offenders who cause the death or serious penalties for certain crimes against animals. Violators could be found guilty of a third-degree felony.
Animal advocates in Pennsylvania have consistently complained of abusers receiving a slap on the wrist for animal cruelty. SB 1372 was created after Libre, a four-month-old Boston Terrier puppy (at the time), was found near death suffering from starvation, dehydration and a severe mange infection at a commercial kennel in August. A produce driver asked the owner of the puppy mill, Benjamin Stoltzfus, if he could take him. Stoltzfus pled guilty to one count with of animal cruelty and paid a $904.97 fine on August 22nd.
Because of Libre’s case and other severe animal cruelty cases in Lancaster County, Alloway has been working with the HSUS to craft SB 1372.
Dr. Pryor, the vet who saved Libre, holding the Boston Terrier puppy who is very lucky to be alive.
Janine Guido, founder of Speranza Animal Rescue, Libre, and Dr. Pryor from Dillsburg Veterinary Center
“I have always had a strong interest in promoting responsible pet ownership and preventing the mistreatment of animals. Animal abusers deserve to receive a punishment that fits the heinous nature of their crimes,” Alloway said. “Libre’s story inspired me to take the next steps to ensure no animal is forced to endure the kind of awful treatment that nearly took the life of this kind-hearted animal.”
Dillsburg Veterinary Center staff treated Libre for starvation, dehydration and a variety of infections. He made a full recovery after several weeks of dedicated care,
Libre was adopted by Janine Guido, founder of Speranza Animal Rescue. Guido, Dr. Pryor, and Kristen Tullo, PA State Director of the HSUS were also in attendance as well as the star of the hour, Libre.
Long overdue!!!
Thank you to Senator Alloway for trying to help animals. Please outlaw puppy mills. They’re so cruel.
Please please get this very important law passed. It is the right thing to do. Pennsylvania is one of few states that do not currently have this legislation in place. Also please work aggressively to end commercial puppy mills..Lancaster County PA is know to be one of the worst for horrendous puppy mills in the Eastern US. This must end. These horrific places must not be allowed to continue if you are passionate about Libre law . # Libre strong
Puppy mills need to be outlawed everywhere. There is no reason to have them because all they do is allow animal cruelty to proliferate under the eyes and hands of people who don’t give a damn about them. We need this legislation but we also need to make it illegal to have puppy mills.
Sure hope this bill doesn’t stall like so many other bills to help animals in Pennsylvania. We’re lucky if we get a bill passed every 5 years to help animals. Animal cruelty is not a felony in all 50 states like some want you to believe. You can always believe what you read. While this bill sounds good in theory comma time will tell if and when it becomes law it has a direct effect on animal cruelty cases. There’s so much animal cruelty and Pennsylvania and a lot and Lancaster County. In Lancaster County. So many people get away with abusing their animals and nothing happens to them in Pennsylvania. I won’t hold my breath yet to see if this bill passes but I do hope for the best because it really is a necessity.
George, your points are valid but we have to remain positive. That’s why it’s important to call our senators and representatives on this bill. We need to put pressure on them to do the right thing. Tell your friends, colleagues, relatives and tell others on facebook or other social media. It’s too important to let this go. Stay strong, George. 🙂
I thought more people would’ve showed up for the rally. I guess what counts is that the legislation gets passed. Call your legislators folks! The dogs need this. Libre looks nothing like when he was found. He is an amazing walking miracle. Why did it take a puppy who was near death to get this legislation? Why is Pennsylvania so far behind with animals?
I thought I was going but a last minute “event” popped up.
So glad for this! 🙂
I hope that rally paid off today! #LibreStrong! 🙂
Great internet site! It looks extremely good! Sustain the excellent job! HOWEVER, PA is a joke when it comes to laws protecting animals. When our lawmakers stop putting their interests ahead of the people who voted them in, then maybe we can get something done!
The laws are still a joke.