PhillyTablet Inquirer Daily News
Mobile
Home Delivery
philly.com
email
font size
comments
0
options
 
Thursday, August 13, 2009

PA, NC legislative update

Legislation that will outlaw do-it-yourself surgical procedures on dogs appears to have turned the corner and should be heading toward Gov. Rendell's desk soon.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Tom Caltagirone (D., Berks), bars anyone but a veterinarian from performing ear cropping, tail docking, debarking or Cesarian sections.

The bill, which passed the House without opposition in February, had been holed up in the Senate for five months. It must now return to the House for a final vote because it was amended in the Senate. Stripped out was language to allow dog wardens to enforce cruelty in the two counties where there is no humane police officer, while technical language was added to allow vets to perform tail docking between the ages of five days and twelve weeks if it is medically necessary. 

The House is expected to reconvene next week, but it was unclear when the bill would be considered. The bill will take effect 60 days after it is signed by the governor.

Meanwhile, in North Carolina the American Kennel Club and the National Rifle Association are celebrating the derailment of legislation aimed at curbing abuse in puppy mills. The "commercial breeder regulation" bill was pulled by its sponsor late Monday after narrowly passing the state Senate. It would have required any breeder with more 15 intact females or 30 puppies to be licensed by the state and established basic health requirements, such as veterinary care for breeding dogs, and exercise.

Opponents - which also included the American Veterinary Medical Association - said the bill was "anti-breeder" and "anti-hunting" and argued that existing animal welfare laws were adequate.

Advocates say it would have helped clean up conditions in substandard kennels in North Carolina, like the one raided in February. The kennel - whose owner is scheduled to appear in court today on 12 counts of animal cruelty - housed some 300 dogs in filthy, cold, cramped cages without access to exercise, adequate veterinary care, or human contact. Rescuers said many of the dogs were covered with fecal-encrusted mats and suffered from severe skin and eye infections. Some had chain collars embedded in their necks.

Supporters also point to language in the bill that would have excluded hunting, showing and boarding kennels.

The bill can be reintroduced in the 2010 session.

 

 
Posted by Amy Worden @ 2:19 PM  Permalink | Post a comment
Comments   


0 comments
About Amy Worden
Amy Worden is a politics and government reporter for the Inquirer. In that capacity she has explored a range of animal issues from dog kennel law improvements and horse slaughter to the comeback of peregrine falcons and pigeon hunts. From hamsters to horses, animals have always been part of her life. To pass along a tip or contact Amy, click here.
Advertise Here