When it comes to protecting the public and the welfare of animals, I’m all for any law that is meant to help the fight against those that stand to harm or profit from their mistreatment. Recently Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell stepped up to the plate and proposed a series of laws that would make it one of the toughest states in the U.S. in terms of dealing with those guilty of animal cruelty. According to the governor we must do more to ensure the safety of not only our pets, but also consumers and retailers.

The proposed changes to the states pet regulations call for:

• An increase in the penalties given out to those found guilty of animal cruelty
• Allowing officials to seize pets they feel are neglected and in danger
• Stiff penalties to kennels which are not properly caring for the animals they are in charge of
• Increasing the size of the cages in kennels
• Mandatory exercise of all animals kept in kennels
• Specific rules as to the minimum standards a kennel must meet

The governor has also decided to appoint a special deputy secretary for dog law enforcement, a prosecutor which would only handle pet law enforcement, and a task force to ensure state run kennels were meeting these new standards. In a statement to the press the governor told reporters “We are taking strong steps to protect consumers, reputable breeders and kennels, and the defenseless animals whose health and welfare are at the heart of this important issue.”