Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Names Kristen Donmoyer as Dog Law Director

HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 21, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Agriculture Secretary George Greig today named Kristen Donmoyer of Lebanon County as director of the Dog Law Enforcement Office.

Donmoyer has served the office since 2007, first as a kennel compliance specialist and supervisor, then as director of enforcement.

In her new role, Donmoyer will help ensure the welfare of dogs and puppies in commercial breeding kennels and dogs in non-commercial kennels. The office also regulates dogs classified as dangerous and oversees annual licensure and rabies vaccinations for dogs.

"Kristen brings the law enforcement experience and knowledge of the state's dog laws necessary to protect dogs across the state," said Agriculture Secretary George Greig. "Under Kristen's leadership, I am confident the Dog Law Enforcement Office will continue in its charge to vigorously enforce the law by aggressive enforcement actions, license sales and public outreach to ensure the continued safety of Pennsylvania's dogs and citizens."

Pennsylvania was once home to more than 300 commercial kennels, now only 59 remain.

In 2013, the office cited 44 illegal kennels, refused operating licenses to five kennels and revoked four licenses. Dog wardens conducted 4,667 inspections of the state's 2,261 licensed kennels. Wardens issued nearly 4,066 citations and 70 misdemeanors to dog owners in Pennsylvania, including commercial kennels not in compliance with the state's dog law, compared to 3,130 citations and 56 misdemeanors in 2012. 

In addition to enforcement actions, the office worked with county treasurers to increase the sales of dog licenses. Sales are up 14.1 percent to 965,549, from 846,323 in 2012.

Wardens issued 1,129 citations to Pennsylvanians who failed to license their dog and 771 citations to those who failed to show proof of rabies vaccination. Fines can be up to $300 per violation plus court costs.

"I am proud of the work done over the past year to improve enforcement of the state's dog laws," said Donmoyer. "I welcome the opportunity to lead the office's 60 field staff and local partners as we work toward total compliance with the law."

Donmoyer graduated from Central Pennsylvania College with a bachelor's in criminal justice administration and Harrisburg Area Community College with an associate's in criminal justice.

State law requires that all dogs three months of age or older be licensed by Jan. 1 each year. Dog licenses are available at county treasurers' offices. A list of county treasurers and a downloadable license application is available at www.licenseyourdogPA.com.

Confidentially report illegal or unsatisfactory conditions at kennels by calling the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's toll-free tip line at 877-DOG-TIP1.

Media contact: Samantha Elliott Krepps, 717-787-5085

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture