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Originally Posted by poohbearsmom  Be careful folks.... while I understand that the bringing about of legislation like this is due to the horrid conditions of the puppy mills which abound in PA, we really need to think about the entire ramifications of simply backing this up because of the puppy mills.
I do NOT want the government telling me what I can and cannot do to my property ... do you?
When we allow the government to 'enforce' decisions like this that essentially make you guilty until you can prove yourself innocent, they also open the door to other, even more scary bits of legislation.... we want to maintain dogs in the category of "property" that we "own"... we do not want to merely be considered guardians - we then lose many more rights down the road.
Make me responsible for what I do, not my neighbor. |
I do completely understand what you are saying. I also agree, but unfortunately PA stinks when it comes to dog laws and enforcing them!
In a 5 mile radius from my home, there are 3 puppymills that I know of. Shelters are full. Non kill shelters have a long waiting list for those that need to find a new home for their pet. Every week there are is at least one story of cruelity case that managed to make the newspaper.
Through my years of working w/animals, I got to meet a special rottie that happened to still have his tail. The owner adopted him from the local humane society where he volunteered at. He had to fight for the rottie (named Pookie). The humane society claimed the rottie was unadoptable due to the fact he had a tail. No one wants a rottie w/a tail. His time was up and they have to make room for more. He was scheduled to be euthanized. The owner stated his interest in adopting the rottie. The humane society said he worked odd hours and would not be a good home for him. He contacted the president and stated his concern w/threatening to take it to the public as well as involving his lawyer. End result...He has Pookie, but no longer helps out at the shelter. I was the one who cared for Pookie while the owner was working his odd hours.
It is a vicious cycle when dealing with irresponsible owners, breeders, shelters in PA. Shelters are doing what they can. But more and more dogs are pouring in.