Puppy mill legislation moves to Pa. Senate

HARRISBURG, PA. — Two bills involving treatment of dogs in commercial kennels passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and were sent to the state Senate.

The 181-17 vote on what has been dubbed the "puppy mill bill" mandates larger cages, annual veterinary check-ups, and a general crackdown on what critics describe as inhumane treatment.

It also would set new standards for lighting, exercise, ventilation, air temperature and euthanasia.

The second bill would prohibit owners and breeders from performing surgical techniques on dogs, including docking tails or removing dewclaws on dogs older than 5 days.