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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | March 30, 2021 12:40 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative David H. Zimmerman |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | "All Dogs Equal" Legislation (Prior HB 2036. 2019-2020) |
| Like all of you I firmly believe that ALL dogs, whether they are our personal companions, or reside in any of the various types and classes of licensed kennels established by the PA Dog Law are deserving of a standard of care that universally provides for their health and well-being. In 2008 the Dog Law was amended, and regulations subsequently promulgated, that establish the most stringent care and housing requirements in the country for dogs maintained in licensed Commercial Kennels. These include standards and requirements for design, size and construction of both the kennel building and primary enclosures for the dogs within these kennels. Additionally, temperature, humidity and ventilation limits are set as well as strict sanitation and cleanliness standards. Outside access and regular veterinary care must be provided. There are special requirements for whelping and for puppies. Owners of Commercial Kennels have embraced these requirements and either modified existing facilities as necessary or constructed new ones to comply with these provisions. Unfortunately, the 2008 amendments to the Dog Law did not establish the same requirements for the various other types and classes of kennels licensed in PA (boarding kennels, pet shop-kennels, rescue network kennels, etc.). Therefore, I will shortly introduce legislation which would require all kennels licensed by the state to meet the same standards and requirements for the housing, care and well-being of the dogs maintained at their facilities as are presently in place for commercial kennels. It only makes sense that every dog deserves the same protections, irrespective of the type of kennel where it finds itself. I invite you to help me ensure that all dogs are treated equally under law by co-sponsoring this legislation. Prior co-sponsors HB 2036, 2019-2020): BROOKS, CALTAGIRONE, FREEMAN, McNEILL, M. K. KELLER, KORTZ, SCHMITT, RADER, READSHAW, DRISCOLL and HERSHEY |
Introduced as HB1735