PRINTER'S NO. 1151
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE BILL
No.
907
Session of
2021
INTRODUCED BY YAW, FONTANA, MUTH, BAKER AND BREWSTER,
OCTOBER 18, 2021
REFERRED TO AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS, OCTOBER 18, 2021
AN ACT
Establishing the Animal Welfare Board; and providing for its
powers and duties.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Short title.
This act shall be known and may be cited as the Animal
Welfare Board Act.
Section 2. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this act shall
have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Board." The Animal Welfare Board established in section 3.
"Dog Law." The act of December 7, 1982 (P.L.784, No.225),
known as the Dog Law.
Section 3. Animal Welfare Board.
(a) Establishment.--The Animal Welfare Board is established.
(b) Membership.--The board shall consist of residents of
this Commonwealth who are members from each of the following:
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(1) The Secretary of Agriculture or a designee.
(2) The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary
Medicine.
(3) The College of Agricultural Sciences of The
Pennsylvania State University.
(4) The American Kennel Club.
(5) The Federated Humane Societies of Pennsylvania.
(6) The Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals.
(7) Two individuals from the Pennsylvania Federation of
Dog Clubs, at least one of whom represents a licensed kennel.
(8) Two individuals from the Pennsylvania Veterinary
Medical Association.
(9) The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau.
(10) PennAg Industries Association.
(11) The Pennsylvania State Grange.
(12) The Insurance Federation of Pennsylvania.
(13) The Office of Attorney General.
(c) Chairperson and terms.--Except for members who serve ex
officio, members of the board shall serve until a successor is
appointed.
(d) Meetings.--The board shall meet at least once every
legislative session or at intervals that may be necessary to
fulfill the duties of the board under this act.
Section 4. Powers and duties.
(a) Strategic plan.--The board shall develop an initial
report within one year of inception.
(b) Powers and duties.--The board shall review existing laws
and regulations in this Commonwealth related to the keeping and
handling of animals, including the following, and make
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recommendations for legislative and regulatory changes:
(1) The Dog Law.
(2) Section 9.3 of the act of December 17, 1968
(P.L.1224, No.387), known as the Unfair Trade Practices and
Consumer Protection Law.
(3) 18 Pa.C.S. Ch. 55 Subch. B (relating to cruelty to
animals).
(4) 22 Pa.C.S. Ch. 37 (relating to humane society police
officers).
(5) The Animal Welfare Act (Public Law 89-544, 7 U.S.C.
ยง 2131 et seq.).
(6) Any other law or regulation in this Commonwealth
that the board determines relevant under this act.
(c) Report.--The board shall issue at least one biannual
report to the General Assembly relating to board activities
under this act and any recommendations for legislation or
regulatory updates.
Section 5. Effective date.
This act shall take effect in 120 days.
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