Gov. Rendell Signs H.B. Against Canine Alterations
28 August 2009
by Anai Rhoads
AnaiRhoads.org -- A new House Bill was signed by Governor Edward G. Rendell Thursday, which is said to strengthen Pennsylvania's Dog Law.
H.B. 39 aims to expand the current Dog Law by requiring all dog owners and kennels to seek out licensed veterinarians for cosmetic alterations. Dog Law was established in 2008 after activists and animal rights organisations pushed the Keystone state to change how they handled puppy mill operations. Currently, unlicensed puppy mills, backyard breeders and kennels are effectively shut down and all animals are removed under a warrant.
"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 am signing this legislation today."
The new bill will ensure that only licensed and properly trained veterinarians can alter a dog's appearance. Despite certain procedures deemed unnecessary, breeders still go out of their way to have them done on puppies as young as five days-old, most without any assistance by a vet.
H.B. 39 will make it illegal for anyone to perform any of the following on their dogs:
- Crop, trim or cut off an ear. There is no reason for this procedure other than vanity. Some dog fighting operators use this method in order to gain momentum during a fight.
- Debark by cutting or injuring the vocal cords. This procedure is done for a host of reasons, ranging from a prospective buyer wanting a quiet dog to dog fighting.
- Dock or cut off the tail of a dog over five days of age. In order to improve appearance, the tail is “trimmed.”
- Prevent the practice of surgically birthing a dog. Some breeders attempt to induce the pregnant female or pay off a dedicated veterinarian in order to spike their profits sooner.
- Remove the dewclaws from a dog over five days of age. These claws should only be removed if the puppy was born with imbedded, distorted or backward dewclaws. Breeders who want to appear knowledgeable, typically remove the dewclaws and hike the price of a "pure breed."
Penalties will be handed down to those who engage in any of the cruel practices listed above. The new law will also protect dogs by making it a 3rd degree felony to steal an animal, especially if the animal was taken solely for the purpose of dog fighting.
"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."
All owners will be required to retain all medical records. These will include the name of the veterinarian, the location of where the surgery took place and the date(s) when they were performed.
Puppy mills, backyard breeders and all unlicensed kennels should be reported. If you suspect a kennel or breeder is unlicensed, please call 1-877-DOGTIP 1.
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