Pennsylvania HB 693: An Act amending the act of December 7, 1982 (P.L.784, No.225), known as the Dog Law, in licenses, tags and kennels, further providing for requirements for kennels; and abrogating a regulation.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 709
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No. 693
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY ZIMMERMAN, CIRESI AND SHUSTERMAN,
FEBRUARY 21, 2025
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS,
FEBRUARY 21, 2025
AN ACT
Amending the act of December 7, 1982 (P.L.784, No.225), entitled
"An act relating to dogs, regulating the keeping of dogs;
providing for the licensing of dogs and kennels; providing
for the protection of dogs and the detention and destruction
of dogs in certain cases; regulating the sale and
transportation of dogs; declaring dogs to be personal
property and the subject of theft; providing for the
abandonment of animals; providing for the assessment of
damages done to animals; providing for payment of damages by
the Commonwealth in certain cases and the liability of the
owner or keeper of dogs for such damages; imposing powers and
duties on certain State and local officers and employees;
providing penalties; and creating a Dog Law Restricted
Account," in licenses, tags and kennels, further providing
for requirements for kennels; and abrogating a regulation.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Section 207(g), (h) heading, introductory
paragraph and (7) and (i) heading and introductory paragraph of
the act of December 7, 1982 (P.L.784, No.225), known as the Dog
Law, are amended to read:
Section 207. Requirements for kennels.
* * *
[(g) Additional requirements for boarding kennels, humane
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societies or associations for the prevention of cruelty to
animals and Kennel Class I through VI license holders.--The
following shall apply to boarding kennels, humane societies or
associations for the prevention of cruelty to animals and Kennel
Class I through VI license holders:
(1) Kennels under this subsection must develop and
follow an appropriate plan to provide dogs with the
opportunity for exercise. The plan shall be approved by a
veterinarian.
(2) All kennels for dogs shall be equipped with smoke
alarms or fire extinguishers. Housing facilities shall be
equipped with fire extinguishers on the premises. An indoor
housing facility may have a sprinkler system.
(3) Primary enclosures must be designed and constructed
so that they are structurally sound and must be kept in good
repair.
(4) Primary enclosures may not have gaps or openings on
the sides of the enclosure that would allow for a dog's limbs
to extend into another primary enclosure.]
(h) Additional requirements for [Kennel Class C license
holders only] primary enclosures in kennels.--The following
shall apply only to primary enclosures for all dogs in [Kennel
Class C] kennels:
* * *
(7) Housing facilities for dogs must be sufficiently
ventilated at all times when dogs are present to provide for
their health and well-being and to minimize odors, drafts,
ammonia levels and to prevent moisture condensation. The
Canine Health Board shall determine auxiliary ventilation to
be provided if the ambient air temperature is 85 degrees F or
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higher. The relative humidity must be maintained at a level
that [ensures the health and well-being of the dogs housed
therein] accomplishes a Heat Index value of 85 or lower. The
appropriate ventilation[, humidity] and ammonia ranges shall
be determined by the Canine Health Board.
* * *
(i) Additional requirements for [Kennel Class C license
holders only] kennels.--The following shall apply only to dogs
over 12 weeks of age in [Kennel Class C] kennels:
* * *
Section 2. The provisions of 7 Pa. Code § 28a.4(a)(1) are
abrogated.
Section 3. This act shall take effect in 60 days.
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