Ag Department: Rendell Administration Committed to Toughest Standards to Protect Dogs in Commercial Kennels

Secretary Says Suggestions to the Contrary Are Misinformed, Counterproductive

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding today said that Governor Edward G. Rendell and his administration remain committed to putting in place regulations that serve the best interests of canines in commercial kennels.

Redding said that has been the Governor's position consistently since before he signed the state's new dog law in October 2008, which is allowing Pennsylvania to shed its reputation as the "Puppy Mill Capital of the East."

"Pennsylvania now has one of the most aggressive laws to protect dogs in the nation because Governor Rendell, working with the legislature, made it a priority," said Redding. "Now, our department's Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement is putting that law to work to protect 'Man's Best Friend.' We've refused to issue licenses for those kennels that had a history of violations and our aggressive enforcement actions have shut down the most notorious commercial kennels in the state."

Redding added that claims made today by Main Line Animal Rescue suggesting the Governor could control decisions made by the state's Canine Health Board were incorrect.

The board is considering standards pertaining to what types of flooring kennels are allowed to use in the cages that house their dogs. The new Dog Law banned the use of wire flooring that can destroy a dog's feet over time and specified that flooring should be solid or slatted. The Canine Health Board, comprised of nine veterinarians, is under pressure from breeder lobbyists and flooring manufacturers to approve alternative types of flooring.

"Governor Rendell has been adamant that he believes kennels should abide by the law and, on the matter of flooring, only use cages with solid or slatted floors because he feels that is what's best for these dogs," said Redding. "We, including Governor Rendell, have had numerous conversations with those in the industry and those on the Canine Health Board about this issue, but ultimately, we do not control to board's decision. For anyone to suggest otherwise is flat wrong.

"Ultimately, we will seek strong regulations reflective of the statute that the General Assembly overwhelmingly approved and the public widely supports."

For more information about the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement or to view kennel inspection reports, visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us, click on "Bureaus, Commissions & Councils," and select "Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement."

Tips about unsatisfactory or illegal kennels can be reported confidentially by using the Department's Web complaint form, or calling 1-877-DOG-TIP1.

Media contact: Justin Fleming, 717-787-5085

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture