House sends overhaul of Pa. dog law to Senate

HARRISBURG, Pa. - September 17, 2008 - The House voted 181-to-17 on Wednesday in favor of the new regulations. They would increase the size of cages, require annual veterinary checkups and crack down on what critics describe as inhumane puppy mills.

A leading opponent, Rep. Bob Bastian, called the bill "a triumph of extreme policy making over sensible regulation." Bastian, a veterinarian, said a number of amendments the House rejected Monday would have resulted in a more balanced bill.

Also Wednesday, the House voted unanimously in favor of a companion bill to prohibit owners and breeders from performing surgical techniques on their dogs.

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