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                                                      PRINTER'S NO. 2149

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA


HOUSE BILL

No. 1745 Session of 1989


        INTRODUCED BY SAURMAN, KOSINSKI, BILLOW, ROBINSON, NAHILL,
           VROON, McNALLY, SEMMEL, LAUGHLIN, GIGLIOTTI, MURPHY,
           CHADWICK, SERAFINI, RITTER AND DONATUCCI, JUNE 21, 1989

        REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS,
           JUNE 21, 1989

                                     AN ACT

     1  Amending the act of December 7, 1982 (P.L.784, No.225), entitled
     2     "An act relating to dogs, regulating the keeping of dogs;
     3     providing for the licensing of dogs and kennels; providing
     4     for the protection of dogs and the detention and destruction
     5     of dogs in certain cases; regulating the sale and
     6     transportation of dogs; declaring dogs to be personal
     7     property and the subject of theft; providing for the
     8     assessment of damages done to livestock, poultry and domestic
     9     game birds; providing for payment of damages by the
    10     Commonwealth in certain cases and the liability of the owner
    11     or keeper of dogs for such damages; imposing powers and
    12     duties on certain State and local officers and employees;
    13     providing penalties; and creating a Dog Law Restricted
    14     Account," establishing a program to reimburse the costs of
    15     neutering dogs and cats; establishing an ongoing educational
    16     program to inform the public of pet overpopulation; creating
    17     the Pet Overpopulation Fund; and imposing a tax on dog and
    18     cat food.

    19     The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
    20  hereby enacts as follows:
    21     Section 1.  The act of December 7, 1982 (P.L.784, No.225),
    22  known as the Dog Law, is amended by adding a section to read:
    23  Section 1003.  Pet Overpopulation Fund; neutering and
    24                 educational program.
    25     (a)  Pet Overpopulation Fund.--There is hereby established a

     1  restricted account within the department to be known as the Pet
     2  Overpopulation Fund.
     3     (b)  Funding.--A 1¢ per pound surcharge shall be imposed on
     4  all dog and cat food for sale at wholesale for consumption in
     5  this Commonwealth. This surcharge shall be paid by the purchaser
     6  and shall be forwarded directly to the State Treasurer for
     7  transfer to the Pet Overpopulation Fund. Any interest earned
     8  shall remain with the fund.
     9     (c)  Appropriation.--As much as may be necessary of the
    10  moneys in the Pet Overpopulation Fund is hereby appropriated to
    11  pay:
    12         (1)  All salaries of the employees of the department in
    13     administering their duties under this act.
    14         (2)  All expenses of the secretary and the department in
    15     administering their duties under this act.
    16         (3)  Reimbursements to pet owners for operations
    17     performed by veterinarians to neuter their pets at the
    18     following rates:
    19             (i)  For cat neuters - $8.
    20             (ii)  For cat spays - $12.
    21             (iii)  For dog neuters - $15.
    22             (iv)  For dog spays - $20.
    23         (4)  Ongoing educational programs to inform pet owners
    24     and potential pet owners of the consequences of pet
    25     overpopulation.
    26     (d)  Regulations.--The secretary shall promulgate rules and
    27  regulations governing procedures, forms and reimbursement
    28  details within 60 days of passage.
    29     Section 2.  This act shall take effect in 180 days.

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