New Law Would Use Higher Fees to Protect Dogs
PennCapitalStar reported on Wednesday (August 5), that legislation has been introduced in both the Pennsylvania Senate and the Pennsylvania House that would increase the cost of a one year dog license from $6.50 to $10.00. The bill would also increase the cost of a lifetime license from $31.50 to $49.00
In February of 2020, Auditor General Eugene Depasquale, issued a report in which he warned that, “The Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement may run out of money this summer.”
Warns of “Roaming Packs of Wild Dogs”
Advocates for the legislation argue that dog licensing fees have not increased in 20 years.
According to PennLive.com “State Sen. Judy Schwank, D-Berks County, a sponsor of a bill to raise the license fee, said if the dog law enforcement bureau isn’t given sufficient funding, one eventual consequence will be roaming packs of wild dogs, which she has already seen signs of in Reading.”
Among other things, The bureau of Dog Law Enforcement is responsible for inspecting dog kennels, policing dangerous dogs and reuniting lost dogs with their owners.