Bill > HB295

This bill modifies Pennsylvania's Dog Law to enhance animal welfare and protect whistleblowers by making several key changes. First, it expands the grounds for revoking or refusing kennel, dealer, and out-of-state dealer licenses by adding new federal animal-related offenses, such as animal crushing, to the list of disqualifying convictions. Second, the bill introduces a prohibition on selling dogs bred by individuals who have received specific citations from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), including direct or critical violations or multiple indirect violations related to animal transportation and handling. This provision aims to discourage breeding by individuals with poor animal welfare records. Third, the bill provides whistleblower protections for employees of businesses, nonprofits, and government entities who report potential violations of the Dog Law or federal animal transportation regulations in good faith, ensuring that workers can report concerns without fear of retaliation. The changes will take effect 180 days after the bill's enactment, giving affected parties time to adapt to the new requirements.