In 2006, United Against Puppy Mills circulated a
petition that was signed by more than 30,000 state residents to change
Pennsylvania's antiquated Dog Law. Legislation was introduced to
accomplish this task and in 2008 Act 119 became law.
If you believe that the passage of the new Dog Law solved all of the problems found in breeding kennels
across Pennsylvania, think again.
After a two year struggle that culminated in the passage of Act 119,
only 111 kennels are actually governed by the new law.
The major wins for the dogs trapped in these 111 kennels include solid
flooring and having unfettered access to an outdoor exercise area.
These very laws that we fought so hard to pass are now in
serious jeopardy.
How is this possible? The Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement, the very
agency charged with enforcing the law, has chosen to side with the
breeders and has rewritten portions of the proposed regulations that
affect flooring and exercise. These rewritten regs will now permit
pregnant and nursing dogs to once again be placed on wire and be
deprived of unfettered access to exercise for months at a time.
Learn more about the changes to the proposed regulations on our
Fact Sheet:
Click Here
What YOU Can Do to Help the Dogs
To help dogs trapped in the commercial kennels, it's imperative that the current regulations, as submitted,
be withdrawn and replaced with the original regulations as proposed by the Canine Health Board.
How can this be accomplished? The regulations may only be
withdrawn by (a) the Department of Agriculture or (b) Governor Ed
Rendell.
Another option would be for the Pennsylvania House or Senate to vote "
NO" to the passage of the regulations.
UAPM is asking all advocates to contact the Governor to request the
withdrawal of the regulations. We're also asking that you contact
your elected representatives in the PA House and Senate; encourage them
to contact the Governor to ask for the withdrawal of the regulations
AND to vote "
NO" when the regulations come up for a vote on the House
and Senate floors.
The following information may be of help to you when you write, call or email the Governor and elected officials.
Click Here
Additional Resources:
Canine Health
Board members
CHB
Recommendations
UAPM's Public
Comment/Response
