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New Bills Could Put An End To Pa. Puppy Mill Abuse

PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ― The Pennsylvania Dog Law Advisory Board is fighting for two bills that could potentially put an end to abuse at puppy mills in Pennsylvania.

The measures passed the House and are now headed to the Senate, but the board said they are facing opposition from an unlikely source: The Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA).

CBS3's Stephanie Abrams went to Main Line Animal Rescue in Chester Springs to talk with a man who has spent the last 10 years saving dogs from puppy mills. Bill Smith of Main Line Animal Rescue, who was recently featured in People Magazine, has been working to put two new laws on the books to stop the torture.

Smith has rescued dogs without eyes, ears, feet, and even without barks from puppy mills. He said the new laws would help put an end to inhumane conditions found too often.

"This is basic stuff. Access to water 24 hours a day, access to exercise outside, solid flooring," Smith said.

The PVMA is in opposition of one of the bills requirements that solid flooring replace the current standard of wired flooring.

In one case, Smith a Pomeranian's leg became stuck in the wire mesh floor.

"When it became swollen, the farmer took a pair of tin snips and cut his leg off," Smith said. "We get a lot of three-legged dogs."

The wired floors sometimes get so hot they brand the dogs and many larger dogs get splayed feet, according to Smith.

The PVMA told CBS 3 that it opposes solid flooring because it is unsanitary by not allowing the feces and urine to drain. Smith says kennel owners should be forced to clean the cages regularly.

The PVMA is also opposed to another section of the bill that requires the dogs get outdoor exercise. They said the law would force kennel owners to put dogs outside even in bad weather conditions. Instead, the PVMA said indoor runs would be sufficient.

"We support the passage of the bill, but would like amendments to be made to pass the bill. As an association and profession we dedicate our lives to the welfare of animals, including these dogs, and it's a shame that this has become adversarial when at the end of the day we all want what is best for the dogs, and may just take a different approach to doing it," said PVMA Executive Director Charlene Wandzilak.

Smith says the PVMA's opposition prior to the Senators' vote could delay the passage of the bill, which would enable the continuance of abuse.

"If this doesn't pass, we're going to hold them accountable," Smith said.

Tom Hickey Senior, a member of the Pennsylvania Dog Law Advisory Board, said Governor Rendell has supported the two bills for a long time and has promised to sign them the minute the senate passes the bills.

If passed, the bills would become law within 90 days.

For more information or to help them fight for these bills, visit www.savingpuppies.com

For more on the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association, visit www.PAVMA.org.

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