Conklin to introduce bill to better protect animals

Rep. Scott Conklin    March 22, 2021 | 1:33 PM

HARRISBURG, March 22 – In an effort to ensure the safety and welfare of dogs and other animals, counties would be allowed to hire individuals as county humane officers under forthcoming legislation from state Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre.

Conklin said his measure would provide trained individuals with the authority to assess animal cruelty issues and empowered to enforce animal control provisions. These humane officers would be required to meet state requirements contained in the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statues as related to the state’s Dog Law.

“Not too long ago, we had an incident in my district where a house fire occurred and required the rescue of several dogs left without shelter, and when residents tried to contact local and state officials to help these dogs, they repeatedly reported difficulty in reaching someone who had the authority to intervene in such an emergency situation,” Conklin said. “My bill would ensure the safety and well-being of these animals regardless of the situation, whether it’s a dog with limited or no shelter left outside in harsh weather, or an animal in need of immediate emergency help.”

Conklin introduced a similar bill during the 2019-20 legislative session.

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