Pennsylvania Enforces Dog Law
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture in October began enforcing strict commercial kennel requirements provided for in a dog law enacted one year ago.
The new requirements, part of Act 119, apply only 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.
Through Dec. 31, dog wardens and kennel compliance officers will inspect each of the nearly 300 licensed commercial kennels to make sure they are complying with the new rules, including:
- Dogs must have access to an outdoor exercise area.
- Wire flooring is prohibited in a dog’s living quarters.
- Dog cages cannot be stacked on top of one another.
- Dogs must be examined by a veterinarian at least twice a year.
“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,” said Jessie L. Smith, special deputy secretary for dog law enforcement. “Kennel owners who chose to ignore these new requirements will be cited for violating the dog law and could have their kennel licenses revoked.”
The Pennsylvania Professional Dog Breeders Association (Harrisburg) had challenged sections of Act 119 as unconstitutional. However, a federal judge ruled that the law, including the new requirements that took effect Oct. 9, is constitutional, according to a press release issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
Pennsylvania dog kennel inspection records are accessible online at http://pda.state.pa.us/kennelinspections/searchkennelinspections.aspx. [December 2009 PET AGE]
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