PA
Pennsylvania House Bill HB549

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB549

Introduced
3/20/23  
Refer
3/20/23  

Caption

In licenses, tags and kennels, further providing for requirements for kennels; and abrogating a regulation.

Impact

The implications of HB 549 on state laws include the formalization of additional standards that kennel operators must adhere to for both safety and animal welfare. By stipulating that kennels must develop proper exercise plans for dogs and ensuring facilities have adequate safety measures in place, the bill directly seeks to mitigate potential risks associated with kennel environments. The adjustments will help align Pennsylvania's kennel regulations with contemporary animal welfare expectations, potentially influencing other states to reconsider their own regulations.

Summary

House Bill 549 amends the existing Dog Law of December 7, 1982, focusing on the requirements for kennels. The bill aims to enhance the regulations governing the operation and maintenance of kennels, particularly related to the well-being of the dogs housed within them. Key amendments include stricter requirements for exercise opportunities, safety measures like smoke alarms and fire extinguishers, and improved ventilation to ensure the health of dogs. Overall, the bill is positioned as an effort to improve animal welfare standards in Pennsylvania's kennel operations.

Sentiment

Sentiment surrounding HB 549 appears generally positive, especially among animal welfare advocates who see the amendments as necessary for improving the conditions for dogs in kennels. This is expected to garner support from various stakeholders, including legislators concerned with animal rights. However, there may be some contention among kennel operators regarding the feasibility of implemented safety and operational standards, primarily due to potential increased costs and administrative oversight.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the practical enforcement of the new requirements and whether all kennel operators can realistically comply with the more stringent regulations without imposing undue financial burdens. Critics might argue that the bill could disproportionately affect smaller, local kennels, leading to operational challenges. The requirement for veterinarian-approved plans and adherence to additional safety regulations may be seen as overwhelming, particularly for smaller facilities trying to operate on tight budgets.

Latest HB549 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB693

In licenses, tags and kennels, further providing for requirements for kennels; and abrogating a regulation.

PA HB526

In licenses, tags and kennels, further providing for requirements for kennels.

PA HB2354

In short title and definitions, further providing for definitions; in licenses, tags and kennels, further providing for kennels, for requirements for kennels, for revocation or refusal of kennel licenses and for health certificates for importation; and, in enforcement and penalties, further providing for rules and regulations.

PA HB2413

In short title and definitions, further providing for definitions; in licenses, tags and kennels, further providing for kennels, for requirements for kennels, for revocation or refusal of kennel licenses and for health certificates for importation; and, in enforcement and penalties, further providing for rules and regulations.

PA HB846

In short title and definitions, further providing for definitions; in licenses, tags and kennels, further providing for kennels; and imposing penalties.

PA HB1322

In short title and definitions, further providing for definitions; in licenses, tags and kennels, further providing for issuance of dog licenses, compensation, proof required, deposit of funds, records, license sales, rules and regulations, failure to comply, unlawful acts and penalty, for applications for dog licenses, fees and penalties, for kennels, for requirements for kennels, for revocation or refusal of kennel licenses, for dogs temporarily in the Commonwealth and for health certificates for importation; in offenses of dogs, further providing for dog bites and detentions and isolation of dogs; in dangerous dogs, further providing for court proceedings, certificate of registration and disposition, for requirements, for public safety and penalties and for construction of article; in injury to dogs, further providing for selling, bartering or trading dogs; in enforcement and penalties, further providing for enforcement of this act by the secretary and provisions for inspections and for enforcement and penalties; in sterilization of dogs and cats, further providing for definitions; and imposing penalties.

PA SB746

In short title and definitions, further providing for definitions; in licenses, tags and kennels, further providing for issuance of dog licenses, compensation, proof required, deposit of funds, records, license sales, rules and regulations, failure to comply, unlawful acts and penalty, for applications for dog licenses, fees and penalties, for kennels, for requirements for kennels, for revocation or refusal of kennel licenses, for dogs temporarily in the Commonwealth and for health certificates for importation; in offenses of dogs, further providing for dog bites and detentions and isolation of dogs; in dangerous dogs, further providing for court proceedings, certificate of registration and disposition, for requirements, for public safety and penalties and for construction of article; in injury to dogs, further providing for selling, bartering or trading dogs; in enforcement and penalties, further providing for enforcement of this act by the secretary and provisions for inspections and for enforcement and penalties; in sterilization of dogs and cats, further providing for definitions; and imposing penalties.

PA HB1319

In licenses, tags and kennels, further providing for revocation or refusal of kennel licenses and providing for prohibition on sale of dogs bred by certain persons; and, in enforcement and penalties, providing for whistleblower protection.

PA SB702

In licenses, tags and kennels, further providing for revocation or refusal of kennel licenses and providing for prohibition on sale of dogs bred by certain persons; and, in enforcement and penalties, providing for whistleblower protection.

PA HB2560

Further providing for definitions and for requirements; and abrogating regulations.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.