HB2525 PASSED! Thanks to everyone who took the time to call and write their representatives!

PA: Victory–Puppy Mill Reform Bill Passes!

PA HB 2525—Changes to the Dog Law
Sponsor(s): Rep. James Casorio and more than 90 cosponsors.
ASPCA Position: Support

Update, 10/10/08: Governor Rendell signed HB 2525 into law the night of Thursday, October 9. There is expected to be a bill-signing ceremony sometime next week. The rules regarding euthanasia went into effect immediately—meaning that it is no longer legal for people to shoot their own dogs in Pennsylvania.

Congratulations, Pennsylvania—you did it! At approximately 3:00 P.M. on Wednesday, October 8, the Pennsylvania State Senate passed HB 2525, the puppy mill reform bill, in a landslide vote of 49 to 1. Because there were amendments, the bill had to return to the House of Representatives for concurrence, but the House acted swiftly, passing the final version by a vote of 183 to 7 at around 7:00 P.M. Rep. Art Hershey, an outspoken foe of HB 2525, excused himself from voting at the last minute.

Although we are not pleased with some of the amendments that were added to the final bill, HB 2525 will still require commercial breeders to double the cage space required for dogs. It also prohibits wire flooring and the stacking of cages, mandates exercise for all dogs, requires that ALL dogs receive veterinary care every six months, and requires that animals be humanely euthanized by licensed veterinarians. This legislation will have an enormously positive impact on the lives of tens of thousands of dogs in Pennsylvania’s puppy mills.

What You Can Do
For many months, legislators have been flooded with emails about puppy mill reform, and they listened. If your senator and/or representative voted yes on HB 2525, please take a moment to thank them with a handwritten letter—legislators really do appreciate them!

• See how your representative voted.
• See how your senator voted.

You may find your state representative and senator’s mailing addresses here.

While puppy mills will continue to operate in your state, by passing HB 2525, Pennsylvania ensured that thousands of dogs will be living in better conditions. From the emails and phone calls to the rallies and in-person lobbying, you worked hard to make this law a reality. Thank you, Pennsylvania animal advocates!