October 10, 2008

Anti-Puppy Mill Bill Passage

by Buzz Miller

The Pennsylvania Senate just passed a "watered down" version of HB 2525 that had been filibustered in the Pennsylvania legislature in early July 2008. On October 10, 2008 Governor Rendell signed this significant bill. Hopefully, this is only the beginning of what concerned citizens can accomplish as a forceful group that has unified for our urgent call for change. Puppy mills will still be able to operate in Pennsylvania, but their costs of operating will increase and they will be regulated, due to the favorable provisions set forth in HB 2525. Additionally, there will be an increase in inspections and monitoring by Pennsylvania authorities.

You did it! This is a prime example of how democracy is winning out. Our representatives in Harrisburg are listening to the voices of individuals who demand better laws versus well financed vested interests and groups who desire to maintain antiquated animal laws.

In addition to selling pet supplies, Buzzy's is a Companion Animal Education Center. Throughout 2008, Buzzy's constantly emailed its members about the status of anti-puppy mill legislation and what our members could do to help have anti-puppy mill legislation passed. Buzzy's recently held two free seminars with prominent attorneys who have been waging the war against puppy mills for many years. We tried to educate our members about the horrors that existed and the horrific conditions that these animals were forced to live in; and, how we, as individuals, could help to get HB 2525 passed into law. We owe our thanks to the long hours and hard work of many attorneys, including Cori Menkin, Jessie Smith, and Sarah Speed, who worked tirelessly to get these bills in front of our legislators, and many animal activists, such as Bill Smith, the founder of Main Line Animal Rescue and to Governor Rendell for stepping up to the plate and insisting that new laws were needed under his administration. "A village" does make a difference.

This is the first time animal lovers in Pennsylvania have finally succeeded in getting their message across on behalf of the thousands of animals who never had a voice before. We can all feel good about our efforts and the fact that we have finally won a major round against the lobbyists and powerful interests.

In the coming year, Buzzy's will continue to conduct free seminars with pertinent speakers on timely topics to educate the public about animal issues and how we can add our voices in the continual fight to make Pennsylvania the leader in animal rights, for the treatment of all animals rather than an embarrassment. Buzzy's will always assist our members in getting the word out that we will not sit by and watch any further cruelty to animals. Most of all we want to help homeless animals find loving "forever homes" and work towards making all of our shelters in the State of Pennsylvania "no kill."