Animal protection legislation/10th Congressional district candidate George Scott (D)
A litter of seven golden retriever puppies look out from their kennel at Mountain View Kennels in Williamsburg, Pa., Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2005. Mountain View Kennels, a respected breeder, will face the same regulations as the notorious puppy mills as members of Congress begin to tackle the puppy mill issue Tuesday during a Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Research, Nutrition and General Legislation. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
What to look for on Smart Talk Monday, October 15, 2018:
The Humane Society of the United States reports that there are more than 10-thousand “puppy mills” in the country. Lancaster County is home to many “puppy mills” and the state ranks among the worst for consumer complaints about dogs purchased through these operations.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals defines a “puppy mill” as a large-scale commercial dog breeding facility where profit is given priority over the well-being of the animals. Dogs bred through these operations often carry hereditary defects and long-term health problems.
Currently, there are two animal protection bills under consideration by state legislators. The Pennsylvania Retail Sales bill (SB 1154) would require pet stores to source animals from shelters and rescues rather than “puppy mill” operations. It would also require the pet stores to post license numbers of breeders.
The Animals in Distress bill (HB 1216), also known as the “the hot car” bill, will protect animals in distress in motor vehicles by allowing public safety professionals to remove them without liability for damages.
Animal advocates and lawmakers are gathering at the Capitol today in support of both of these bills. Joining Smart Talk to discuss the legislation are Senators Guy Reschenthaler (R-37) and Andy Dinniman (D-19), and Kristen Tullo, Pennsylvania state director, The Humane Society of the United States.
Kristin Tullo
Also, the 2018 U.S. elections will be held (mostly) on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. These midterm elections take place in the middle of President Donald Trump’s first term. Nationally, all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 seats in the Senate will be contested. Pennsylvania voters will go to the polls for the Governors’ office, as well.
Smart Talk invited the candidates for the U.S. Senate, House of Representatives and the Governors office to appear on the program so that voters can hear where they stand on the issues.
Congressional candidate for the 10th Congressional District George Scott (D) joins us on Monday’s Smart Talk.
George Scott
