PRINTER'S NO. 881
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE BILL
No.
785
Session of
2023
INTRODUCED BY YAW, BROOKS AND BAKER, JUNE 14, 2023
REFERRED TO AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS, JUNE 14, 2023
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 under 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 the following:
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(1) The Secretary of Agriculture or a designee.
(2) One member who is a resident of this Commonwealth
from each of the following:
(i) The University of Pennsylvania School of
Veterinary Medicine.
(ii) The College of Agricultural Sciences of The
Pennsylvania State University.
(iii) The American Kennel Club.
(iv) The Federated Humane Societies of Pennsylvania.
(v) The Northeast Beagle Gundog Federation.
(vi) The Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals.
(vii) The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau.
(viii) PennAg Industries Association.
(ix) The Pennsylvania State Grange.
(x) The Insurance Federation of Pennsylvania.
(xi) The Office of Attorney General.
(xii) The Pennsylvania State Police.
(xiii) The Pet Advocacy Network.
(3) Two members who are residents of this Commonwealth
from each of the following:
(i) The Pennsylvania Federation of Dog Clubs, at
least one of whom represents a licensed kennel.
(ii) The Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical
Association.
(c) Chairperson.--A majority of the members shall select the
chairperson of the board. The board shall select a chairperson
at its first meeting and then at the beginning of each
legislative session thereafter.
(d) Terms of members.--Except for members who serve ex
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officio, members of the board shall serve until a successor is
appointed.
(e) 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. The board shall
convene its first meeting within 60 days of the effective date
of this section.
Section 4. Powers and duties.
(a) Review of existing laws and regulations.--The board
shall review existing laws and regulations in this Commonwealth
related to the keeping and handling of animals, including the
following, and make recommendations for legislative and
regulatory changes:
(1) 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.
(2) The Dog 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) 7 U.S.C. Ch. 54 (relating to transportation, sale,
and handling of certain animals).
(6) Any other law or regulation in this Commonwealth
that the board determines relevant under this act.
(b) 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.
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This act shall take effect in 120 days.
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