PRINTER'S NO. 812
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No.
57
Session of
2015
INTRODUCED BY DINNIMAN, FONTANA AND RAFFERTY, APRIL 23, 2015
REFERRED TO AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS, APRIL 23, 2015
A RESOLUTION
Directing the Joint State Government Commission to study the
issue of the most efficient and effective manner to provide
information to the residents of this Commonwealth that
clearly and concisely outlines the animal control
responsibilities of State and local agencies and any
nonprofit organizations.
WHEREAS, Residents throughout this Commonwealth face a
variety of issues involving domestic and wild animals on a daily
basis; and
WHEREAS, These issues can range widely from the discovery of
a lost dog to a suspected case of animal cruelty or a suspected
case of rabies in an animal to the presence of wild animals in
attics, basements and homes; and
WHEREAS, While these situations are often not emergencies
that rise to the proper level of a 911 call, they are still of
significant concern to residents; and
WHEREAS, Pennsylvanians often find it difficult to ascertain
whom to call due to the several State and local regulatory and
law enforcement agencies assigned to enforce Pennsylvania's
separate animal-related laws and regulations; and
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WHEREAS, Officials within Pennsylvania's animal-related
agencies and nonprofit organizations attest to the frustration
borne by residents who often are referred numerous times and
make numerous telephone calls before finding the solution to
their respective problems; and
WHEREAS, In attempting to solve these issues, Pennsylvania
residents want to contact the correct agency immediately in the
interest of public safety and in the animals' best interests;
and
WHEREAS, The current lack of clear information as to whom to
call not only frustrates Pennsylvanians but unnecessarily causes
delays in addressing their situations; and
WHEREAS, In some situations, this lack of information results
in the problem not being addressed; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate direct the Joint State Government
Commission to study the issue of the most efficient and
effective manner to provide information to the residents of this
Commonwealth that clearly and concisely outlines the animal
control responsibilities of State and local agencies and any
nonprofit organizations; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the study to be conducted by the Joint State
Government Commission include a report of the following:
(1) The current animal control statutes and regulations
in this Commonwealth and whether those statutes and
regulations provide the public with information on the animal
control responsibilities of the agencies and organizations.
(2) The current animal control statutes and regulations
in other states that provide clear and concise information on
the animal control responsibilities of State and local
agencies and any nonprofit organizations;
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and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission prepare
a final report to include findings and recommendations to
implement necessary changes in State statutes, practices,
policies and procedures to efficiently and effectively provide
the public with clear and concise information on the animal
control responsibilities of State and local agencies and
nonprofit organizations and necessary contact information; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That the final report include an analysis of the
potential effectiveness and efficiency of establishing the
following:
(1) A regional or countywide telephone number that would
accept all animal control telephone calls and direct them to
the appropriate animal control agency or organization.
(2) A publicly accessible Internet website that can
either direct the public to or inform the public of the
appropriate animal control agency or organization;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission issue
the report to the Senate with its findings and recommendations
no later than one year after the adoption of this resolution.
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