HARRISBURG – The state Senate recently approved legislation to create a Domestic Animal Welfare Board, Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23) said.
Yaw sponsored Senate Bill 907 last year after he learned the legislature’s well-intentioned laws cracking down on puppy mills inadvertently encourage importation of dogs from out-of-state operations with similarly poor conditions.
“It would be sensible to establish a group of experts, from various disciplines across the board, to take a look at the laws we have and make a report to the legislature, at least annually, about the bills we have relating to animals,” Yaw said. “That way, we make sure our efforts have the most impact and don’t lead to unintended consequences.”
The bill would create a 15-member Domestic Animal Welfare Board to review existing laws and regulations and make recommendations to the General Assembly for action. The board would meet at least one time a year or at closer intervals to fulfill the duties outlined in the legislation.
“The Pennsylvania Federation of Dog Clubs supports this ongoing opportunity to review existing dog legislation,” said Jonathan C. Stanley, Board Member and Vice-Chair of the PFDC Legislation Committee. “Our members throughout the commonwealth are active canine enthusiasts and many are preservation breeders of pure-bred dogs. We support this legislation as an opportunity to do the right thing for all animals.”
Senate Bill 907 now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
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Matt Osenbach
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