Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell is currently introducing legislation that:

- Would provide dogs interned in Pa's puppy mills with double the amount of cage space indoors, and access to outdoor runs.

-Would eliminate wire flooring in puppy mills and require the provision of solid flooring. (The majority of dogs in these puppy mills stand and sleep on wire 24/7)

-Would prohibit the stacking of cages in commercial breeding kennels.

-Would prohibit keeping puppy mill dogs in excessive heat or severe cold.

-Would deny kennel licenses to individuals convicted of animal cruelty.

-Would greatly increase the penalties for operating a kennel without a proper license, and broaden the ability of wardens to determine whether license requirements are being violated.

-Would limit to licensed veterinarians the ability to administer rabies vaccinations, perform Cesarean sections, de-bark or euthanize dogs. Farmers who mass produce dogs in Pa often perform these procedures themselves, without skill or anesthesia.

UNSOLD PUPPIES AND BREEDING FEMALES WHO CAN NO LONGER PRODUCE PUPPIES ARE OFTEN SHOT OR LEFT TO DIE WITHOUT FOOD, WATER, OR MEDICAL CARE.
 

Editor's Note: Special thanks to Tracy Linderman of River Hills Pet Service (717-284-5171) for these tips. River Hills Pet Service is located in Southern Lancaster County.