Schweyer introduces bill to provide support to humane societies
Rep. Peter G. Schweyer March 3, 2020 | 11:08 AM
HARRISBURG, March 3 – State Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh, introduced legislation Monday that would provide financial support to ease the stress on Pennsylvania humane societies.
“While great progress has been made with Libre’s Law, which increases the penalties for those who abuse animals, the justice and rehabilitation for these animals takes an immense amount of time and resources,” Schweyer said. “This bill will help alleviate the heavy financial burden placed on humane societies and their officers.”
Under H.B. 2283, an Animal Cruelty Investigation Fund would be established with the state treasury. Individuals convicted of animal cruelty would be assessed an additional $5 which would go toward training, equipment and expenses for humane society police officers.
Schweyer said the funds would also go toward the medical care and food and shelter costs for animals rescued from abuse.
“Many of our humane societies are mainly funded by donations and every cruelty case further depletes already thin-stretched budgets,” Schweyer said. “As legislators, we have a duty to protect all living things, especially those which cannot defend themselves. We need to recognize this difficulty and offer support.”
The bill is awaiting referral to committee.