https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/pennsylvania-committee-consider-changes-dog-events-licensing-dog-laws-tomorrow/
June 5, 2023
Recently, the Pennsylvania Senate introduced legislation to update
Pennsylvania's Dog Law. This includes positive changes such as removing the
different prices for licensing an intact as opposed to a sterilized dog. The
bill as written also includes numerous requirements for those currently
licensed as a kennel by the state, as well as those operating as a rescue in
the state. It also would require anyone entering the Commonwealth for shows,
hunting, field trials, etc. to have an interstate certificate of veterinary
inspection.
The bill is scheduled for a hearing tomorrow in the Senate Agriculture and
Rural Affairs Committee. Scroll down for hearing and contact information.
Summary:
Senate Bill 746 is based upon proposed legislation from last session (see
previous alert), that removes the difference in license fees for intact and
sterilized dogs and makes many other changes to licensing for dog owners,
kennels, and rescues, as well as other changes to the Commonwealth’s Dog Law.
The Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement (BDLE) has been operating in a deficit for a
number of years and annually requires a transfer of funds to maintain
operations. This has resulted in the Bureau being understaffed and limited in
its ability to carry out the duties of the Bureau.
The primary purpose of Senate Bill 746 is to provide updates to various
portions of the Dog Law including increasing dog and kennel licensing fees,
kennel and rescue regulations, as well as changes to related to dogs entering
the Commonwealth temporarily.
Updates:
Changes to Requirements for Dogs Temporarily in the Commonwealth:
Under current law, any person may bring one or more dogs for show, trial, or
breeding purposes or as a household pet without securing a Pennsylvania
license, and any person holding a Pennsylvania nonresident hunting license may
bring into the State one or more dogs for a period of 30 days for the purpose
of hunting game during any hunting season when hunting with dogs is permitted.
Further, this exemption extends to a provision requiring a certificate of
health prepared by a licensed Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.
Under this bill, the exemption is being removed, and the requirement for a
certificate of health prepared by a licensed Doctor of Veterinary Medicine is
being changed to an interstate certificate of veterinary inspection. This
change would mean all who come to Pennsylvania to participate in dog related
events or hunting would be required to first obtain an interstate Certificate
of Veterinary Inspection. Given the number of such events held in
Pennsylvania, it is our understanding that the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement
would find this new provision virtually impossible to enforce.
AKC GR has had numerous discussions with both the sponsor’s office and the
Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement regarding the language and is requesting a simple
amendment to reinstate the existing exemption.
Dog License Fees Changes:
The bill seeks to streamline annual and lifetime dog licenses by increasing
fees for the first time in 25 years. Under the updates, Pennsylvanians will
pay $7 for an annual license or $49 for a lifetime license for male and female
dogs while those 65 years of age or older and persons with disabilities will
pay $5 for an annual license or $33 for a lifetime license for male and female
dogs. AKC greatly appreciates that the higher license fee for owning an intact
dog is removed.
Kennel and Rescue Regulation/Licensing Changes:
The Pennsylvania Dog Law defines a kennel as one where at least 26 dogs are
kept or transferred in a calendar year. There are also licenses for boarding
kennels and non-profit kennels.
Kennel license fees have not been increased since 1965. Since kennel
inspections are a significant portion of the work done by BDLE, the proposal
includes increases for each classification.
The legislation also eliminates the term “nonprofit kennel” and for licensing
purposes establishes the following separate licensed entities: Humane Society
or Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Municipal Holding Pen, and
Rescue Network Kennel – all of which were previously considered nonprofit
kennels. These kennels will have to comply with certain reporting and other
requirements.
Finally, to avoid potential funding shortages in the future, the legislation
gives the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture the authority to increase
fees subject to the Commonwealth’s regulatory review process.
Other changes in Senate Bill 746 include:
• Requiring transparency for the source of a dog for all kennel
license holders. AKC is asking for clarification to ensure that this
transparency includes all sources for obtaining a dog, in order to help
potential owners understand a dog’s background and ensure the dog is the right
fit for them.
• Requiring a seller’s license information be included in all
advertisements, including social media.
• Proof of licensure when requested by the appropriate authorities.
• Clarification of dangerous dog determination.
What You Can Do:
Senate Bill 746 is scheduled for a hearing tomorrow (Tuesday, June 6, 2023) at
10:00am. If you would like to provide comments on the bill, we encourage you
to contact Senator Elder Vogel, Chair of the Senate Agriculture and Rural
Affairs Committee.
You may also contact the members of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee
to share any comments you may have.
AKC Government Relations will continue to closely monitor this bill and
communicate with the General Assembly. For more information, contact
doglaw@xxxxxxx.
Stormy Hope
NAIATrust, Trustee
NAIATrust-CA on Facebook!
GSDCA Legislative Liaison to AKC
California Responsible Pet Owners
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