Libre’s Law Is Back for 2017 Legislative Session in Pennsylvania - National Humane Education Society

Paws Up!

To Pennsylvania Senator Richard Alloway, R-York, Adams, Cumberland and Franklin counties in Pennsylvania for reintroducing animal welfare legislation that would increase penalties for animal abuse in Pennsylvania.

According to a recent news article, “Libre’s Law,” otherwise known in the Pennsylvania General Assembly as S.B. 298, is back for consideration in the 2017-18 legislative session. The bill, introduced by Sen. Richard Alloway last year, was drafted after a good Samaritan delivering produce to an Amish farm in Lancaster County found a horribly neglected Boston terrier puppy on the property. Due to hair loss, extreme scabbing, maggots, ulcers, and emaciation, the puppy was not immediately recognizable as a dog. The puppy, later named “Libre,” reached a veterinarian and incredibly, made a full recovery. He now lives with the former animal control officer who rushed him to the vet clinic who provided his treatment.

Unfortunately, the dog breeder responsible for Libre’s suffering suffered only a fine of $904, and no jail time. That is partially due to the fact that Pennsylvania is one of only three states that does not have a felony statute for animal abuse. Libre’s Law would allow district attorneys in Pennsylvania to charge offenders of egregious animal neglect and abuse with a felony crime. Last year, the bill passed the Senate unanimously, but died in the House.

Take action. Pennsylvania residents, contact the Pennsylvania General Assembly and urge your legislators to support Libre’s Law.