In this 2005 file photo, a litter of seven golden retriever puppies look out from their kennel at Mountain View Kennels in Williamsburg, Pa. Mountain View, considered a respected breeder according to The Associated Press, differs from large-scale dog breeders known as "puppy mills."
Carolyn Kaster/The Associated Press
Carolyn Kaster/The Associated Press
In this 2005 file photo, a litter of seven golden retriever puppies look out from their kennel at Mountain View Kennels in Williamsburg, Pa. Mountain View, considered a respected breeder according to The Associated Press, differs from large-scale dog breeders known as "puppy mills."
Monday’s Smart Talk featured a discussion about bills related to “puppy mills,” and a candidate interview with the challenger in the 10th congressional district.
Animal protection bills
The Humane Society of the United States reports that there are more than 10,000 “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 the 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 in those operations can carry hereditary defects and long-term health problems, the ASPCA says.
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 “hot car” bill, would protect animals in distress in motor vehicles by allowing public safety professionals to remove them without liability for damages.
Animal advocates and lawmakers gathered at the Capitol Monday in support of both bills. Joining Smart Talk to discuss the legislation are Sens. Guy Reschenthaler (R-37) and Andy Dinniman (D-19), and Kristen Tullo, Pennsylvania state director of The Humane Society of the United States.
Candidate interview
Also, the 2018 U.S. elections will be held (mostly) on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. The 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 Governor’s office, as well.
Smart Talk invited the candidates for U.S. Senate, House of Representatives and Governor to appear on the program so voters can hear where they stand on the issues.
Congressional candidate for the 10th Congressional District George Scott (D) joined us Monday.
Highlights:
1:07 – Puppy mill definition
14:00 – Caller discusses the high cost of adopting a pet
27:24 – 10th Congressional district candidate George Scott
A collection of interviews, photos, and music videos, featuring local musicians who have stopped by the WITF performance studio to share a little discussion and sound. Produced by WITF’s Joe Ulrich.
