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For Immediate Release
October 27, 2008
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Brubaker Attends Ceremonial Signing of New State Dog Law
HARRISBURG – Sen. Mike Brubaker (R-36) took part in today's ceremonial bill
signing of legislation designed to ensure a humane and healthy environment for
dogs living in commercial breeding kennels.
"This legislation established common-sense measures to ensure a safe and
healthy environment for dogs in commercial kennels," Brubaker said. "I was proud
to play a role in tightening the standards at our state's commercial kennels to
protect the health of dogs and restoring the public's confidence in the dog
breeding industry."
The legislation, Act 119 of 2008, was officially signed into law immediately
after Senate passage on October 9 to ensure immediate protection for vulnerable
animals.
The new 102 page bill requires kennels to double the primary enclosure size
for dogs and prohibits the use of wire flooring. Flooring would also be required
to allow for moderate drainage to ensure a safe and sanitary environment.
The legislation provides free access to an outdoor exercise area at least
twice the size of their primary enclosure, except in certain specific
circumstances. Act 119 would require dogs to be checked by a veterinarian every
six months and prevents dogs from being euthanized by anyone except a
veterinarian.
Additionally, the bill creates the Canine Health Board, made up of nine
veterinarians with expertise in treating and caring for dogs, to set standards
for lighting, ventilation, temperature and flooring options. The board would
also have the authority to review requests from kennel owners for an exercise
plan that would provide as much or more exercise than required by law.
"There was overwhelming support in the General Assembly for this
legislation," according to Brubaker. The bill passed the State Senate by a vote
of 49-1 and was concurred by the House of Representatives by a vote of 183-7.
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