THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

HOUSE RESOLUTION

INTRODUCED BY DENLINGER, COX, STERN, M.K. KELLER, ROAE AND CUTLER, FEBRUARY 23, 2011

AS REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, AS AMENDED, MARCH 1, 2011   

A RESOLUTION

Directing the Joint State Government Commission to study and

review the economic impacts on the regulated community and on

the Commonwealth of implementation of the 2008 amendments to

the Dog Law and the regulatory standards which were adopted

to implement the legislation.

WHEREAS, The Commonwealth recognizes that operating a

commercial dog kennel is a legal enterprise authorized and

regulated under the act of December 7, 1982 (P.L.784, No.225),

known as the Dog Law; and

WHEREAS, Owners of commercial dog kennels have made

substantial investments in land, buildings, equipment, animals,

veterinary care, food and supplies to operate their businesses;

and

WHEREAS, It is estimated that the number of licensed

commercial dog kennels has been reduced by more than 75% since

the enactment of amendments to the Dog Law by the act of October

9, 2008 (P.L.1450, No.119); and

WHEREAS, It is estimated that the economic losses suffered by

these important small businesses is potentially millions of

dollars; and

WHEREAS, It is estimated that the loss of these kennels has

resulted in the loss of numerous full-time and part-time

positions, the loss of several million dollars in sales tax and

the loss of many millions of dollars in taxable income; and

WHEREAS, Due to the loss of commercial dog kennels, it is

estimated that the veterinary services industry has lost

considerable income and that the sale of pet products and dog

food has significantly declined; and

WHEREAS, The professional engineers who must certify the

ventilation systems as required under 7 Pa. Code Ch. 28a

(relating to commercial kennel canine health regulations) have

raised questions about the reasonableness and appropriateness of

some of the standards required; and

WHEREAS, Questions have been raised related to whether or not

the costs associated with implementing the requirements of the

regulatory standards are reasonable and appropriate; and

WHEREAS, Obtaining the proper guidance for professional

engineers will take time and require possible modification of

the regulatory standards before they can be implemented;

therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives direct the Joint

State Government Commission to study and review the economic

impact of the act of October 9, 2008 (P.L.1450, No.119), on the

regulated commercial dog kennel industry, its business service

sectors and the Commonwealth and the estimated impacts of the

implementation of the regulatory standards which take effect on

July 1, 2011; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the study address the following:

(1)  The feasibility of implementing the commercial

kennel canine health regulatory standards on July 1, 2011.

(2)  The scope of amendments to the Dog Law which might

be desirable refinements to address the problems identified

by the certifying entities.

(3)  The scope of amendments to the commercial kennel

canine health regulatory standards adopted under the act of

October 9, 2008 (P.L.1450, No.119), which might be desirable

refinements to address the problems identified by the

certifying entities.

(4)  The estimated economic impact on these small

businesses and on the Commonwealth from implementation of the

act of October 9, 2008 (P.L.1450, No.119), and its

accompanying regulatory standards; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the report of the Joint State Government

Commission regarding paragraph (1) be submitted to the House of

Representatives by June 1, 2011, and the report concerning

paragraphs (2), (3) and (4) be submitted by December 31 June 30,

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2011.