Request for Regulation of Animal Control Officers and their Methods in the State of Pennsylvania

The City of McKeesport, PA has advertised for bids for Animal Control Officer. The signers of this petition demand that whoever is hired does not beat and mistreat the animals; when it is necessary for a dog or cat to be euthanized that it be done in a humane manner by a qualified technician or veterinarian by means of sedation first and that the death be a result of a final injection, and NOT by carbon monoxide, or any other cruel means. We also request that this officer must be properly trained in handling cats and dogs, and will welcome the public into their facility.

While this petition will initially be used regarding the hiring of the Animal Control Officer in McKeesport, it is open to all residents of the State of Pennsylvania. Currently, the only state regulation that an animal control officer has to abide by is for operating a kennel. The State Dog Warden checks these facilities only once or twice per year for cleanliness, space, heat, ventilation, food and water. There is no inspection of the method used for the destruction of these defenseless creatures. Although a law was passed in 1984 regulating the use of carbon monoxide, the General Assembly never put a provision in it making anyone responsible for enforcement. Therefore, it has never been enforced, and according to State Senator Sean Logans office, the law is unenforceable.

According to Versailles Boro Council, Ken Ferree, the current Animal Control Officer, uses carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is NOT humane, and, when unregulated, can be accomplished simply by connecting one end of a hose to an exhaust pipe, and inserting the other end into the animals cage. This results in a slow, agonizing death for the animal.

This issue should be a concern for all citizens of Pennsylvania as well as anyone who cares about animals.