Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB846

Introduced
4/10/23  

Caption

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

Impact

Should this bill be enacted, it will result in substantial revisions to the statutory framework governing dog ownership and kennel operations in Pennsylvania. The legislation introduces stricter licensing classifications for various types of kennels, including measures to phase out pet shop-kennels by December 2024, which may lead to a reduction in commercial breeding and improve the prospects for animal welfare by limiting the number of commercially bred dogs. Moreover, the bill imposes significant penalties for operators who fail to comply with the new regulations, thereby creating a heightened accountability framework intended to improve the regulatory landscape for animal care.

Summary

House Bill 846, introduced in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, aims to amend the existing Dog Law to enhance the regulation of kennels and animal-related businesses in the state. Notably, the bill revises the definitions related to kennels, enacting new licensing requirements and penalties for non-compliance. The changes intend to bolster animal welfare by ensuring that kennels adhere to established standards, particularly in their treatment and care of animals. This bill requires that any kennel operator must apply for a license specified by type and pay associated fees based on the kennel's capacity.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 846 has been mixed. Supporters, primarily animal welfare advocates, view it as a necessary step towards ensuring improved living conditions for animals in commercial settings and preventing overcrowding and poor treatment in kennels. Conversely, some kennel owners and pet shop operators express concerns about the feasibility of the imposed regulations and the potential economic impact of closing down specific business models, such as pet shop-kennels. The discussions have highlighted the ongoing conflict between commercial interests and animal rights, with passionate arguments made on both sides of the legislative debate.

Contention

Contentions surrounding HB 846 have focused on the implications of closing pet shop-kennels and the potential loss of available adoption opportunities. Opponents argue that limiting the ability of pet shops to operate kennels could inadvertently reduce access to affordable pet adoption options for the public. Proponents counter that the restrictions are necessary to prevent cruelty and to foster better animal care standards. The debate encapsulates broader themes of regulation, accountability in animal care, and the balance between business interests and ethical considerations in animal ownership.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 SB82

In short title and definitions, further providing for

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 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 HB526

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

PA HB916

In short title and definitions, further providing for definitions; and, in dangerous dogs, further providing for court proceedings, certificate of registration and disposition and for requirements.

PA HB549

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

PA HB693

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

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.

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