GOING TO THE DOGS

Dinniman, Leach, state lawmakers push through animal protection bill

HARRISBURG >> The dog days of summer may be behind us but a group of rescue dogs, animal advocates and bipartisan local lawmakers rallied in Harrisburg for two important bills to better protect our pet animals.

“Every summer there are far too many sad stories of dogs succumbing to the heat because they are left in hot cars. We are so close to passing legislation to prevent such inhumane treatment and empower law enforcement and public safety officials to rescue dogs from such dangerous situations,” said state Sen. Andy Dinniman said. “Let’s pass it. Let’s do it today and help better protect pets next spring and summer.”

Dinniman, who has long been a leading advocate for the humane treatment of pet animals and tighter animal cruelty laws in Pennsylvania, said the legislature has a golden opportunity in the final days of the 2017-18 legislative session to take a stand for animals.

He was joined by state Senators John Rafferty, Guy Reschenthaler and Daylin Leach, state Representatives Frank Farry, Dom Costa and Ryan Bizzaro, officials from the Pennsylvania Chapter of the Human Society of the United States and representatives from rescue and animal advocacy organizations throughout the Commonwealth.

Dinniman has introduced Senate Bill 636, the

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SUBMITTED PHOTO Senator Dinniman with puppy mill survivor and canine advocate, Sara, rescued by Finding Shelter Animal Rescue.