PA Governor Rendell Signs Bill Protecting Dogs from Painful, Inhumane Procedures

H.B. 39 Builds on PA's Improvements to Commercial Kennel Standards

HARRISBURG, Pa., Aug. 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell
today signed into law a measure that strengthens Pennsylvania's commitment to
protecting "man's best friend" by ensuring only trained and licensed
veterinarians can perform certain medical procedures that, if done
incorrectly, can be inhumane and painful.

The Governor said House Bill 39 expands upon the commonwealth's work last year
to improve Pennsylvania's Dog Law.

"Last October, Pennsylvania took a big step forward in shedding its label as
the 'Puppy Mill Capital of the East.' Today, that law is working and giving
hundreds of dogs the opportunity to be adopted and have a better life with a
loving family," said Governor Rendell as he noted that the state has revoked
or refused 11 kennel licenses and cited another 34 unlicensed kennels. "More
work remains, however, and that is why I'm signing this legislation today."

The new law establishes penalties for dog owners who engage in the following
procedures on their own dogs:

-- Cropping, trimming or cutting off an ear;
-- Debarking by cutting or injuring the vocal cords;
-- Docking or cutting off the tail of a dog over five days of age;
-- Surgically birthing a dog; and

-- Removing the dewclaws from a dog over five days of age.

"H.B. 39 clearly defines painful and inhumane procedures on dogs by anyone
other than a licensed vet as animal cruelty," said the Governor. "Until now,
these cruel practices could be carried out by dog owners without proper
training and without supervision by a licensed vet, which could lead to
long-term injury, pain and, in some cases, death to these defenseless
animals."

The dog's owner must keep a record of the surgery, including the vet who
performed it, as well as the location and date where the surgery was
performed. The law further protects dogs by making it a 3rd degree felony to
steal an animal for the purpose of dog fighting.

Suspected unlicensed kennels can be reported through the Bureau of Dog Law Web
site: www.agriculture.state.pa.us or by calling the Dog Law Tip line at
1-877-DOGTIP 1.

The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public
education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing
economic investment to support our communities and businesses.To find out more
about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his newsletter, visit
www.governor.state.pa.us.

CONTACT:
Justin Fleming
717-787-5085

Gary Tuma
717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

Justin Fleming, +1-717-787-5085, or Gary Tuma, +1-717-783-1116, both of
Pennsylvania Office of the Governor