Dear Friend,

Over the past several months you have contacted my office regarding the prevention of cruelty to animals here in Pennsylvania. I am writing today to let you know that we have taken another step forward in ensuring that kennel dogs receive safe and proper medical care.

On Thursday, Governor Rendell signed House Bill 39 into law as Act 38 of 2009. This important legislation makes it illegal for anyone, other than a licensed veterinarian, to: debark a dog by cutting its vocal cords or altering any part of its resonance chamber; surgically birth a dog; dock or cut off the tail of a dog more than five days old; or cut off the dewclaws of a dog more than five days old. 

Previously, there was little oversight over dog breeders from performing surgical procedures and the law only required veterinarians for ear docking.  

Act 38 takes that a step further. Ear cropping, surgical births and debarking procedures can only be conducted by a veterinarian when the dog is anesthetized. For dogs between five days and 12 weeks old, the veterinarian can dock the tail only if medically necessary to the health and welfare of the dog. After 12 weeks, the veterinarian can dock the tail only if the procedure is performed with anesthesia. 

In addition, breeders and owners who procure such procedures are also required to keep veterinary records of them. 

This legislation was endorsed by a number of animal welfare organizations, including the Pennsylvania and Chester County SPCAs, the Humane Society and Main Line Animal Rescue.

As you may know, last year we passed the Pennsylvania Dog Law, a major overhaul of kennel standards and regulations. I am proud to say that in Act 38 we have succeeded in building on those core principles and tightening the laws against animal abuse. That is precisely why I and my fellow Senators voted unanimously to approve it on August 11. 

Rest assured that I continue to work to ensure that our pets and animals are cared for responsibly and humanely.  And as always, please feel free to e-mail me at andy@pasenate.com with any questions, concerns or comments that you may have. 

Sincerely,
Andy Dinniman
State Senator - 19th District