Taking a bite out of animal abuse

By State Rep. Tom Caltagirone

As you may know, the Oprah Winfrey Show this year exposed horrific conditions in Pennsylvania's "puppy mills," underscoring the need for tougher laws to combat widespread neglect and deplorable conditions.

More recently, dozens of dogs were killed right here in Berks County by selfish, lazy kennel owners who used the animals to prove a point that under current state law, they could kill the dogs rather than comply with authorities to ensure the dogs were healthy. This week, eight puppies were seized by the Berks County Humane Society from a kennel in Maxatawny Township for the owner's failure to provide basic veterinary care.

The time to act is now, which is why updating the state's 25-year-old dog law is the first issue my colleagues and I in the General Assembly will take up when we return to session in two weeks.

The range of abuse and cruelty cases involving Pennsylvania's dogs is appalling. On one end, this outdated law enables owners and breeders to abandon regular health checkups and. On the other, many owners assume the role of "doctor" to personally perform serious surgeries on dogs in their care.

I have introduced legislation (House Bill 2532) that would restrict the ability of untrained individuals to put Pennsylvania dogs under the knife. As the law stands now, owners and breeders without any formal training are permitted to perform serious and painful surgeries on dogs in their care, often without the use of anesthesia or proper sanitation. These procedures include tail docking, debarking (cutting or destroying a dog's vocal cords), removing dewclaws and Cesarean sections.

My bill would require these procedures to be performed by a licensed veterinarian. Personnel working in federally registered research clinics would be authorized to perform Cesarean sections, but only in compliance with the Animal Welfare Act and while under the supervision of a veterinarian. The bill also would permit dog wardens to file cruelty charges against kennels when there is no humane society police officer to do so.

The legislature also will consider legislation to set minimum standards for the safety, health and care of dogs raised by and housed at commercial kennels in Pennsylvania.

It is an unfortunate fact that animal cruelty occurs beyond the walls of puppy mills. Without question, there is a clear need to change and update the state's dog law and animal cruelty law.

As chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and an advocate for the safety of every animal in this Commonwealth, I am committed to advancing this legislation to preserve and promote the beauty and good nature that comes naturally to well-cared for animals.

If you have questions about this or any other state-related issue or subject, stop by my office at 645 Penn St., Second Floor in Reading, or call 610-376-1529.