Pennsylvania law makes a difference
June12
Good news from Pennsylvania: Dozens of puppy mills there have shut their doors rather than try to meet tough new operating standards, the state’s Burea of Dog Law Enforcement says in a just-out report. The number of large-volume kennels has fallen by two thirds, from 303 a year and a half ago to 111 today, according to the Associated Press.
Some of the kennels will reopen after making renovations. And the new law exempts smaller kennels from its most stringent guidelines, which means puppy mills are still doing business.
Still, the new law is turning around Pennsylvania’s reputation as the Puppy Mill of the East.
Among other things, large-volume breeders are required to double the size of the dog cages, stop stacking the cages, eliminate wire flooring and give their dogs access to the outside. The kennels have to be kept clean and ventilated and breeders must bring in veterinarians twice a year to examine their dogs.
Saving Gracie describes in detail Pennsylvania’s history with puppy mills and the campaign that brought about the unprecedented changes.
The new law isn’t perfect. Ideally, no dog would ever be housed in a cage. Authorities are still debating standards governing ammonia and humidity, air temperature, ventilation, flooring and lighting. And problems remain with kennels that operate off the radar, which escape scrutiny. The report estimates that at least 15 percent of the kennels that claim to have closed are probably still in business, according to the AP.
Still, despite what naysayers claim, Pennsylvania deserves credit for doing what it can to make life easier for the dogs that are.
Here’s the AP story:
You are so “right” when you speak of Pennsylvania deserving credit making of stiffer laws. That’s certainly a start to the end of cruelty & puppymills. I have a puppymill mommy that I rescued 1 and 1/2 years ago. She still won’t go anywhere near my husband. What a shame! Thank you for all you do.
Good for you for rescuing a breeder dog, Vicki. Maybe in time she’ll warm up to your spouse.