With only nine voting days left this fall, supporters are making a final push, capped by a rally Tuesday, to send House Bill 2525 through both chambers before they'd have to start again when a new session begins in January.
"What divides us are those who sincerely believe that dogs are equivalent to livestock and those who see it differently: that dogs are man's best friend," said Rep. Mike Hanna (D., Centre), who helped shepherd the bill through the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee in the spring.
The bill, which would double cage sizes, mandate outdoor exercise, and require annual veterinary exams at kennels that sell 60 or more dogs a year, is slated for a vote in the House Appropriations Committee as early as tomorrow. The committee chairman, Rep. Dwight Evans (D., Phila.), said that the bill was a top priority and that he was committed to getting it through as quickly as possible.
Despite 92 cosponsors, it is not clear whether the bill - stalled in July by scores of amendments filed by Republicans who oppose the changes - will reach the House floor. Democratic leaders say they are loath to bring up a bill that will require debating more than 100 amendments.
"Some really ridiculous amendments were filed to keep the bill from moving, and it worked," Hanna said. "If we can get serious and bring the amendments down to between 12 and 18, we can do this."
Rep. Art Hershey (R., Chester), the ranking Republican on the agriculture committee, said his staff was working with Democratic leadership and the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association to reduce the amendments.
"The administration didn't consult with the PVMA in writing this bill, so it has some problems," Hershey said. "We're trying to get a better, more practical bill.
"When you mix animal welfare with animal rights, you have a debate that you're never going to settle."
