Breed Specific Legislation doesn't work - it targets specific breeds, mostly Pit Bulls and dogs who look like Pit Bulls, instead of dangerous dogs, in general. Please let your contacts know that BSL has become an idea for an ordinance if you know anyone who lives in the cities or towns below. And be advised, Pit Bulls aren't the only breeds that can be affected by BSL. It becomes a slippery slope. We also recommend that you become a member of Pit Bulls Online Community to stay up to date on everything Bully.
Areas where BSL has been mentioned and/or discussed by officials and remains unresolved. Residents in and around these cities should make an effort to attend upcoming city council meetings.
**Earlville is not a "home rule" city and, therefore, cannot legally pass breed specific legislation
New Standards for Commercial Dog Kennels
OCTOBER PA: Oct. 8 /PRNewswire- USNewswire/ -- When strict new requirements for cage size, exercise, and flooring standards go into effect for commercial dog kennels in Pennsylvania on Oct. 9, the Department of Agriculture will deploy teams of staff to ensure those laws are enforced.
Dog wardens and kennel compliance specialists will inspect each of the nearly 300 licensed commercial kennels through the end of the year. They will take enforcement actions against kennel owners who do not follow the provisions of the dog law signed one year ago by Governor Edward G. Rendell.
The enforcement actions include warnings, citations, and revoking kennel licenses, as provided by law.
"The requirements taking effect are further proof that Pennsylvania is working to shed its former image as the 'Puppy Mill Capital of the East,'" said Special Deputy Secretary for Dog Law Enforcement Jessie L. Smith. "Commercial kennels in the state have had one year to ensure their operations comply with the new law and properly care for the dogs they raise. Kennel owners who chose to ignore these new requirements will be cited for violating the Dog Law and could have their kennel licenses revoked.
"No dog's well-being should be compromised for the sake of higher profits," Smith added. "We're going to work immediately and aggressively to ensure dogs get the treatment they deserve so they can have a future as happy and healthy members of the family."
Pennsylvania's 55-day enforcement plan, spanning Oct. 9-Dec. 31, follows months of outreach by the department to commercial kennels and industry associations.
The department's Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement has sent multiple mailings to every licensed commercial kennel owner in Pennsylvania explaining the requirements that will take effect, a waiver application and a questionnaire to capture the progress made in complying with the new statutes.
These new statutes address the health and welfare needs of dogs housed in commercial breeding kennels by requiring these operations to meet new physical standards for cage size, exercise and flooring.
The new laws only apply to "class-C" commercial kennels that breed dogs and either sell dogs to dealers or pet stores, or sell more than 60 dogs a year. Changes that commercial kennel owners must comply with include:
Challenges to the new law were settled recently when a federal judge ruled that Act 119, including the new requirements taking effect Oct. 9, are constitutional. The Pennsylvania Professional Dog Breeders Association and a Pennsylvania kennel owner challenged sections of the law, but the judge concluded that their claims were without merit.
"Governor Rendell made a pledge when he signed the dog law to improve the quality of life and treatment of dogs in Pennsylvania's commercial breeding kennels," said acting Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. "Our state laws governing commercial kennels are now the toughest in the nation thanks to Governor Rendell and the General Assembly.
"Imposing higher standards for commercial breeding kennels increases the chances that happy, healthy puppies will be welcomed into loving homes throughout Pennsylvania."
For more information about the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement, visit www.agriculture. state.pa. us. To offer confidential tips about unsatisfactory or illegal kennels, call the toll-free hotline at 1-877-DOG-TIP1.
Queenie Foundation Founder Inducted into Cambridge Who's Who Registry
Enid Breakstone, founder and executive director of The Queenie Foundation, has been recognized by the Cambridge Who's Who Executive, Professional and Entrepreneurial Registry for showing dedication, leadership and excellence in all aspects of animal welfare.
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