Exhibit exposes 'puppy-mill' abuse

With the explosive growth of the kennels - some house more than a thousand dogs - has come mounting concern about the treatment of the animals, particularly the breeding dogs that must spend their lives in cages. Gov. Rendell has led efforts to improve conditions, firing the Dog Law Advisory Board and reorganizing and enhancing the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement; new regulations proposed by the Dog Law Advisory Board will require exercise time and larger cage sizes.

The FUEL exhibit has been praised for shedding light on a too-often-invisible problem.

"Most of the facilities are hidden away - and breeders are intentionally hiding them away. They tell me that's why they deal with brokers, they know people would be horrified by what they see," said Bob Baker, an ASPCA investigator who helped draft Pennsylvania's dog law in the early 1980s. "People who are buying puppies in pet stores are supporting this."

Yaron said she would like the exhibit to travel to colleges and universities as a way to reach out to young people.

As she noted, "They are the future dog owners."

"Puppies Are Biodegradable"

"Puppies Are Biodegradable" is at FUEL, 249 Arch St., through July 30. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. A Pennsylvania SPCA Dog Adoption Day will be held July 21 from noon to 4 p.m. Information: 215-592-8400 or www.fuelcollection.com.