New law provides bite against those who abuse animals
Libre’s Law took effect in Pennsylvania Monday, to the gratification of animal-rights advocates, responsible pet owners and veterinary professionals across the state. And, probably, to the chagrin of some people who take in pets but fail to properly care for them.
The animal-abuse legislation, named after a neglected Boston terrier puppy found in Lancaster County last year, was signed into law June 29 by Gov. Tom Wolf. It was endorsed by Libre, who left a paw print on the measure. Talk about paper-training.
By endorsing the proposal, Wolf provided much-needed bite to animal-protection laws in Pennsylvania. “This won’t stop cruelty, but it will put an emphasis on the importance of justice for their suffering. The laws are recognition of their pain and what they deserve,” Jennifer Nields, cruelty officer for Lancaster County Animal Coalition, told lancasteronline.com.
Perhaps the most-significant change concerns tethering outdoors. The new law demands that an owner cannot leave a dog on a lead for more than nine hours over a 24-hour period; the lead has to be at least three times the length of the canine; and the animal must always have access to water and shade. Also, when the temperature is over 90 degrees or below 32, a dog cannot be tethered outside for more than 30 minutes.
Tougher penalties will likely raise howls among negligent and/or abusive owners. Felony-level charges may be filed in first-time cruelty cases. Different penalties also may be imposed for different levels of cruelty and number of previous offenses.
The new law also will protect Humane Society police officers and veterinarians from being sued if they report a case of animal cruelty and are proven to be wrong; abuse of horses will be handled the same as abuse of other pets; and, significantly, an individual convicted of a misdemeanor or felony in an abuse case must give up the animal.
This legislation is certainly a victory for Libre, the namesake of this legislation, who was found at an Amish dog-breeding farm a year ago starving, with the mange and believed to be near death. He was saved by the driver of a delivery truck, who had seen the pup multiple times over a two-month stretch, and eventually adopted by Janine Guido, who operates an animal rescue facility in central Pennsylvania.
But the law also is a triumph for anyone who cares for animals and oversees the care of innocent, largely defenseless creatures who provide lots of love, but whose affections aren’t always reciprocated. Here’s hoping the measure becomes a howling success.