ASPCA Responds to Reports of Pa. Kennel Operator Shooting 80 Dogs Ahead of State-Ordered Medical Examinations

NEW YORK, August 14, 2008 - The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) today responded to recent news reports surrounding the operators of both E & A and A & J Kennels of Kutztown, Pa. shooting 80 dogs after state dog wardens ordered medical exams on many of their animals to evaluate their health.

“To think that a commercial dog breeder would resort to shooting 80 dogs instead of granting them humane veterinary care is an atrocity,” said ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres. “This incident is a clear indicator of the need to amend current Pa. law and give qualified veterinarians sole authority to humanely euthanize animals in medical or behavioral circumstances as they see fit.”

This incident comes at a crucial time in the ongoing controversy regarding commercial kennel legislation in Pa. The ASPCA, among other animal welfare groups, is urging the passage of HB 2525, which would require annual veterinary care for every dog in Pa.’s commercial kennels and require that any euthanasia of a dog in a commercial kennel be done by a licensed veterinarian. Under current Pa. law the actions of the kennel owners in this instance was completely legal. As a result, the ASPCA is urging concerned members of the public to take action by contacting their representatives and urge them to support HB 2525 by asking House leadership to call the bill for a vote when the Assembly reconvenes in September.

While the ASPCA has long been the voice for animals nationwide, its law enforcement powers are limited to acts of animal cruelty in the five boroughs of New York City. For more information on the ASPCA’s nationwide fight against animal cruelty, visit www.fightcruelty.org.