Protect cats and kittens, too
In response to board member Rachel Tajc of Fayette Friends of Animals, her article about much-needed dog laws is definitely carrying a banner of sympathy for all the dogs in Pennsylvania, along with Gov. Ed Rendell’s big push to go the same way. But sometimes when you are making the path easier for others, not all make it through the gate, and that is happening with the felines in this state.
Ms. Tajc gave no mention to all our feline friends in Pennsylvania. Felines desperately need laws, because at this time they are at the mercy of poorly run shelters, puppy mills, ignorant and unschooled breeders.
Felines have been shot at, thrown out of a moving or idle car, drowned, run over, set on fire and subjected to other terrible horrors.
State Rep. James E. Casorio, Jr. co-sponsored legislation extending holding time for both dogs and cats, which was House Bill 2559, that tried to get through the 2005-2006 session.
Casorio put forth a bill on June 19, 2006 for the 2005-06 session that was House Bill 2846. This bill would prohibit kennels or pet shops in the Commonwealth from selling kittens and puppies less than eight weeks of age.
This bill addressed those less-than-reputable breeders selling cats or kittens before eight weeks of age. Most animal behaviorists totally agree that critical social skills and bonding develop at this time, which are important for the well being of these animals.
It was demonstrated that these animals make better pets, if they are not taken from their mother and littermates prematurely.
Many other states have already enacted laws prohibiting the sale of both kittens and puppies before eight weeks of age.
Nebraska enacted legislation similar to Casorio’s proposal, after a silk puppy was purchased from a puppy mill.
At least 14 states already prohibit the sale of kittens and puppies less than eight weeks old, according to NCSL.
Casorio said, “Any person selling a dog or cat that is less than eight weeks old without its mother, commits a summary offense, punishable by a fine of $250.” A person is defined as an owner or operator of a kennel or pet shop, or other person selling dogs or cats to the public, and who owns a kennel or pet shop licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. The term does not include the owner or operator of a non-profit kennel.
After all the hard work, Rendell wants the 70-page piece of legislation mainly serving dogs. House Bill 445 is being pushed; however, there is a stalemate along the route.
All feline fans over the state can hope and pray House Bills 2846 and 2559 are holding some cat legislation in House Bill 445.
Eleanor L. Skibo
Uniontown