PRINTER'S NO. 2161
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No.
459
Session of
2015
INTRODUCED BY RAFFERTY, ALLOWAY, DINNIMAN, WARD, MENSCH,
FARNESE, BARTOLOTTA, BROWNE, ARGALL, VULAKOVICH, BOSCOLA,
TEPLITZ, YUDICHAK AND KILLION, OCTOBER 18, 2016
REFERRED TO JUDICIARY, OCTOBER 18, 2016
A RESOLUTION
Directing the Joint State Government Commission to establish an
animal abuse prevention task force to conduct a thorough and
comprehensive analysis of laws for the prevention of animal
cruelty and abuse and report to the Senate its findings and
recommendations.
WHEREAS, According to the Humane Society of the United
States, intentional cruelty to animals is strongly correlated
with other crimes, including violence against people; and
WHEREAS, On average, 1,920 cases of animal abuse and cruelty
are reported each year; and
WHEREAS, The Senate recognizes the value of studying this
vital issue; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate direct the Joint State Government
Commission to establish an animal abuse prevention task force of
20 members; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the President pro tempore of the Senate
appoint two members of the animal abuse prevention task force
and the Minority Leader of the Senate appoint two members of the
animal abuse prevention task force; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That the membership of the animal abuse prevention
task force be balanced so that it encompasses a wide range of
backgrounds and viewpoints; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the animal abuse prevention task force contain
at least one of the following individuals:
(1) a representative from the Governor's Policy Office
or designee;
(2) a representative from the Department of Agriculture
or designee;
(3) a dog warden;
(4) an attorney;
(5) a district attorney;
(6) a representative from a law enforcement agency;
(7) a veterinarian;
(8) a representative from The Humane League;
(9) a representative from an animal rescue organization;
and
(10) an owner of a large kennel;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission, working
with the animal abuse prevention task force, conduct a thorough
and comprehensive analysis of laws for the prevention of animal
cruelty and abuse in this Commonwealth; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission, working
with the animal abuse prevention task force, identify the best
preventive practices and develop recommendations; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the final report include recommendations to
implement necessary changes in State statutes, practices,
policies and procedures relating to animal cruelty and abuse;
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and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission report
to the Senate its findings and recommendations no later than 18
months from the adoption of this resolution.
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