Prevent the Inhumane Conditions of Commercial Breeding Kennels in Lancaster County, PA

Lancaster County houses the largest number of substandard commercial breeding facilities in Pennsylvania. We are appalled by the lack of responsibility taken by government officials in preventing the inhumane conditions of commercial breeding kennels in our state. These kennels provide inadequate care to pregnant dogs and newborn pups and maintain substandard living conditions for these dogs in effort to increase profit. It is legally, morally and ethically wrong to keep dogs in wire cages, without proper ventilation, socialization and medical attention.

These dogs are bred over and over until they die. Others starve to death, die from heat stroke, or are mauled by other dogs because they must fight for what little food and water they have. Dead animals are not immediately taken out of their wire cages and are sometimes left for days. Often the other dogs cannibalize the bodies.

Police will report immediately if someone calls complaining about an aggressive dog or other animal related offenses. Why do they turn their heads and fail to enforce laws governed by the Animal Welfare Act in regard to breeding facilities? Chapter I Title 9 Subchapter A 3.1 description of Housing Facilities, general under (a) Structure; construction states; Housing facilities for dogs and cats must be designed and constructed so that they are structurally sound. They must be kept in good repair, and they must protect the animals from injury, contain the animals securely, and restrict other animals from entering; Chapter I Title 9 Subchapter A 2.31 (IACUC) (vii) states that Medical care for animals will be available and provided as necessary by a qualified veterinarian; Chapter I of Title 9 2.38 Miscellaneous (f) (2) states that deprivation of food or water shall not be used to train, work, or otherwise handle animals and Chapter I of Title 9 Subchapter Animal Welfare 3.1 (b) Condition and Site states that housing facilities and areas used for storing animal food or bedding must be free of any accumulation of trash, waste material, junk, weeds, and other discarded materials. Animal areas inside the housing facilities must be kept neat and free of clutter including equipment, furniture, and stored material, but may contain materials actually used and necessary for cleaning the area, and fixtures or equipment necessary for proper husbandry practices...

We are greatly disappointed by the lack of action taken by our government officials regarding this issue. Lancaster County is a beautiful, peaceful, and historical place. These kennels are a disgrace to our community and we refuse to quietly allow it to continue. Something must be done to either drastically improve these conditions or BETTER YET eliminate these facilities all together.