The Pennsylvania mill bill, HB 2525, passed the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee on Wednesday by a vote of 17-12. The bill has provisions for more humane treatment in breeding facilities, including:
Commercial dog breeders would be required to provide enclosures for the dogs that "enable" them to "remain dry and clean"; are cleaned daily, and are adequately ventilated and lighted, protect them from humidity and temperatures below 50 degrees F and above 85 degrees F. and from temperatures and weather that "may be hazardous or uncomfortable" for the dog; have surfaces that are impervious to moisture, may be readily cleaned and sanitized or replaced and that protect the dogs from injury;
Dogs could continue to be kept in cages but which can be stacked in no more than 2 rows and the lowest level may be no higher than 4 ½ feet from the floor or ground;
The front of the cage must have the dogs' birth dates, rabies vaccination dates and dates of last veterinary check;
Dogs could only be euthanized by a veterinarian;
The commercial breeder must implement a program of veterinary care that must be in writing and include a schedule for physical examinations and vaccinations, disease control and prevention, pest and parasite control, nutrition, emergency care and euthanasia.
A companion bill, HB2532, has passed in the Judiciary Committee. That bill would eliminate some of the worst abuses in puppy mills - debarking, tail docking and surgical birthing without a licensed veterinarian using anesthesia.
Both bills now go to the PA House floor for a full vote! If you are in Pennsylvania, please call or email your local representative to support these bills! Email addresses are here:
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives - Representatives with E-mail Addresses
Let's take action so we don't have to be ashamed that we're the "Puppy Mill Capital of The East" anymore!