[nagdu] Pennsylvania - Guide dog attack bill clears Senate

[Passle Helminski]

Thanks Ginger for this post.  It has been a very long haul.  I will 
not stop until it is Law in Pennsylvania.

Passle in Erie, PA


>Pennsylvania - Guide dog attack bill clears Senate
>
>Friday, May 2
>
>http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/pets/154049475.html
>
>
>
>After 15 years, it looks like legislation to protect service dogs from
>attack by other dogs will soon be heading for a governor's signature.
>
>The bill (HB 165) would hold the owner of a dog that attacks a service dog
>criminally liable and impose a fine of up to $15,000. It passed the state
>Senate 39 - 10 earlier this week and now goes back to the House for a vote
>on concurrence on June 4.
>
>You'd be surprised at how often these attacks happen and how costly -
>emotionally and financially - they can be. Two dogs belonging to an Erie
>woman were attacked over a multi-year span by free-roaming neighbor dogs who
>entered her yard.
>
>"There are a number of these attacks across the Commonwealth," said bill
>supporter Sen. John Eichelberger (R., Blair).  "The attacks take away a
>person's ability to function in society."
>
>The bill cleared the House, 194-4, but suddenly stalled in the Senate
>earlier this month after an amendment stripping out the criminal penalties
>was added leaving only the civil penalty that may not be collected.
>
>During floor debate on Tuesday Eichelberger and Sen. Anthony Williams (D.,
>Phila.) argued vigorously for the tougher bill.
>
>Opponent Sen. Mary Jo White (R., Venango) said she did not think an owner
>should be criminally penalized for their dog's bad behavior.
>
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>
>"I think to make someone a criminal for attacks of a dog is wrong," she
>said.
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>Williams strongly disagreed, saying there are people who knowingly turn
>their dangerous dogs out on the street endangering innocent people and pets.
>"Civil penalties are not enough," said Williams. "This sends a message that
>we love animals and want to protect people who reside with animals."
>
>In addition to Sen. Mary Jo White, those voting "no" on the bill were Sens.
>Don White (R., Armstrong) , Michael Brubaker (R., Lancaster), Pat Vance (R.,
>Cumberland), Jim Ferlo (D., Allegheny), Joe Scarnati (R., Jefferson) Jeff
>Piccola (R., Dauphin), Lloyd Smucker (R., Lancaster), Jane Earll (R., Erie)
>Lisa Baker (R., Luzerne).
>
>
>
>The bill's lead sponsor, Rep. John Evans (R. Erie), said the final
>compromise was acceptable. He said he can live with the charge being
>downgraded - at the judge's discretion - from a second to a third-degree
>misdemeanor. (By contrast, in Florida a dog attack on a service dog is a
>felony offense.)
>
>Evans said he was pleased the fine was tripled from $5,000 to $15,000. "That
>will help pay for the cost of vet care or a replacement dog," said Evans,
>noting that training for a service dog can reach $50,000.
>
>Evans says he is optimistic that Gov. Corbett will support the bill and he
>hopes to bring two of the canine victims of attacks, and their human
>handlers, to the bill signing.
>
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>Posted by Amy Worden @ 8:52 AM  Permalink | 1 comment
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