§ 459-101. Short title

§ 459-200. Issuance of dog licenses; compensation; proof required; deposit of funds; records; license sales; rules and regulations; failure to comply; unlawful acts; penalty

§ 459-201. Applications for dog licenses; fees; penalties

§ 459-202. License certificates; tag removal; exclusion for some dogs

§ 459-203. Tags furnished to county treasurers and other agents; lost tags

§ 459-204. Deleted. 1996, Dec. 11, P.L. 943, No. 151, § 4, effective in 60 days

§ 459-205. Transfer of dog licenses or tags; other licensing requirements

§ 459-206. Kennels

§ 459-207. Requirements for kennels

§ 459-208. Deleted. 1996, Dec. 11, P.L. 943, No. 151, § 5, effective in 60 days

§ 459-209. Out-of-state dealer license; application; fee; prohibitions

§ 459-210. Bills of sale

§ 459-211. Revocation, suspension or refusal of kennel licenses

§ 459-212. Dogs temporarily in the Commonwealth

§ 459-213. Transportation of dogs

§ 459-214. Health certificates for importation

§§ 459-215, 459-216. Deleted. 1996, Dec. 11, P.L. 943, No. 151, § 5, effective in 60 days

§ 459-217. Service dogs and dogs used by municipal or State Police departments

Powers of State Regarding Dogs

§ 459-218. Inspections of premises and dogs

§ 459-219. Additional duties of the department

§ 459-301. Quarantines

§ 459-502-A. Registration

§ 459-503-A. Requirements

§ 459-504-A. Control of dangerous dogs

§ 459-506-A. State registry

§ 459-507-A. Construction of article

§ 459-602. Dogs used for law enforcement

§ 459-603. Selling, bartering or trading dogs

§ 459-701. Reimbursement for damages; complaints

§ 459-701.1. Reimbursement for rabies

§ 459-702. Quarantines due to damages

§ 459-703. Deleted. 1996, Dec. 11, P.L. 943, No. 151, § 20, effective in 60 days

§ 459-704. Killing of dogs causing damages

§ 459-705. Harboring unlicensed dogs; forfeiture of rights of reimbursement

§ 459-706. Damages caused by coyotes; complaints; liability

§ 459-801. False statements

§ 459-802. Burdens of proof

Enforcement Provisions

§ 459-901. Enforcement of this act by the secretary; provisions for inspections

§ 459-902. Rules and regulations

§ 459-903. Violations

§ 459-904. Permanent identification altered

§ 459-905. Disposition of fines and penalties

§ 459-906. Reports to General Assembly

§ 459-907. State dog wardens; plan for appointment

Adoption and Sterilization Provisions

§ 459-901-A. Definitions

§ 459-902-A. Spaying or neutering as condition for release of certain animals

§ 459-903-A. Refund of deposit upon proof of sterilization

§ 459-904-A. Rules and sterilization agreement

§ 459-905-A. Extension of time to sterilize

§ 459-906-A. Exemption from sterilization; refund of deposited funds

§ 459-907-A. Death of adopted animal

§ 459-908-A. Forfeiture of deposited funds and adopted dog or cat

§ 459-909-A. Disposition of forfeited funds; record of accounts

§ 459-910-A. Construction of article

§ 459-911-A. Penalty

Legislation Appropriations and County Dog Law Programs; Application of State Dog Law

§ 459-1001. Dog Law Restricted Account; disposition and appropriation of funds accruing under the provisions of this act

§ 459-1002. County dog law programs

§ 459-1101. Liability of the State

§ 459-1201. Applicability to cities of the first class, second class, second class A and third class

§ 459-1202. Deleted. 1996, Dec. 11, P.L. 943, No. 151, § 29, effective in 60 days

§ 459-1203. Severability

§ 459-1204. Acts not affected

§ 459-1205. Repealer

Dogs Worrying Sheep

§ 531. Dogs worrying or accustomed to worry sheep

§ 532. How damages recovered

§ 459-101. Short title

This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Dog Law."

CREDIT(S)

1982, Dec. 7, P.L. 784, No. 225, art. I, § 101, effective Jan. 1, 1983.

The following words and phrases when used in this act shall have, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the meanings given to them in this section:

"Abandon." To forsake entirely or to neglect or refuse to provide or perform the legal obligations for the care and support of an animal by its owner or his agent.

"Abandonment." Relinquishment of all rights and claims to an animal by its owner.

"Accelerant detection dog." Any dog which is used exclusively for accelerant detection, commonly referred to as arson canines.

"Agent." A person defined in section 200 [FN1] who is authorized by this act to process applications for dog license certificates and issue dog license certificates and tags.

"Animal control officer." Any person appointed to carry out the duties of dog control.

"Attack." The deliberate action of a dog, whether or not in response to a command by its owner, to bite, to seize with its teeth or to pursue any human or domestic animal.

"Boarding kennel." Any kennel available to the general public where dogs are housed or trained for compensation by the day, week or a specified or unspecified time. The term shall not include a kennel where the practice of veterinary medicine is performed if the kennel is covered by the provisions of the act of December 27, 1974 (P.L. 995, No. 326), [FN2] known as the "Veterinary Medicine Practice Act." The term shall include any boarding facility operated by a licensed doctor of veterinary medicine whether or not this facility is on the same premises as a building or structure subject to the provisions of the "Veterinary Medicine Practice Act."

"Breeding kennel." Any kennel operated for the purpose of breeding, buying and selling or in any way transferring dogs for nonresearch purposes.

"Cat." The genus and species known as Felis catus.

"County animal warden." Any person employed or appointed under section 1002(a.1). [FN3]

"County treasurer." The elected officer for any county or any county employee assigned to the office of the county treasurer charged with the receipt, custody and disbursements of its moneys or funds. The term county treasurer shall include those officials in home rule charter counties responsible for county treasurer's duties.

"Coyote." The genus and species known as Canis latrans.

"Dangerous dog." A dog determined to be a dangerous dog under section 502-A. [FN4]

"Dealer." Any person who owns or operates a dealer kennel in this Commonwealth or who buys, receives, sells, exchanges, negotiates, barters or solicits the sale, resale, exchange or transfer of a dog in this Commonwealth for the purpose of transferring ownership or possession to a third party.

"Dealer kennel." A kennel within the Commonwealth which:

(1) publicly or privately sells or offers for sale any dog belonging to another person for a fee, commission or percentage of the sale price;

(2) acquires, sells, transfers, exchanges or barters dogs at wholesale for resale to another; or

(3) offers or maintains dogs for sale, transfer, exchange or barter at wholesale for resale to another. The term does not include a pound, shelter or common carrier or a kennel defined elsewhere in this section.

"Department." The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

"Dog." The genus and species known as Canis familiaris.

"Dog control." The apprehending, holding and disposing of stray or unwanted dogs. Dog control may be performed by humane society police officers, police officers, State dog wardens or animal control officers.

"Domestic animal." Any equine animal or bovine animal, sheep, goat, pig,

poultry, bird, fowl, confined hares, rabbits and mink, or any wild or semiwild animal maintained in captivity.

"Humanely killed." A method of destruction in accordance with the act of December 22, 1983 (P.L. 303, No. 83), [FN5] referred to as the Animal Destruction Method Authorization Law.

"Humane society or association for the prevention of cruelty to animals." A nonprofit society or association duly incorporated pursuant to 15 Pa.C.S. Ch. 53 Subch. A (relating to incorporation generally) for the purpose of the prevention of cruelty to animals.

"Humane society police officer." Any person duly appointed pursuant to 22 Pa.C.S. § 501 (relating to appointment by nonprofit corporations) to act as a police officer for a humane society or association for the prevention of cruelty to animals. The term shall include any person who is an agent of a humane society or association for the prevention of cruelty to animals as agent is used in 18 Pa.C.S. § 5511 (relating to cruelty to animals).

"Kennel." Any establishment wherein dogs are kept for the purpose of breeding, hunting, training, renting, research or vivisection, buying, boarding, sale, show or any other similar purpose and is so constructed that dogs cannot stray therefrom.

"Licensed doctor of veterinary medicine." A person who is currently licensed pursuant to the act of December 27, 1974 (P.L. 995, No. 326), known as the "Veterinary Medicine Practice Act."

"Nonprofit kennel." Any kennel operated by an animal rescue league, a humane society or association for the prevention of cruelty to animals or a nonprofit animal control kennel under sections 901 and 1002. [FN6] The term shall include kennels operated by approved medical and veterinary schools and nonprofit institutions conducting medical and scientific research, which shall be required to register, but shall not be required to pay any of the following license fees, and which may use their own identification tags for dogs within their kennels without being required to attach tags hereinafter prescribed while dogs are within such kennels, if approved by the secretary.

"Out-of-state dealer." A person who does not reside in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and who buys, receives, sells, exchanges, negotiates, barters or solicits the sale, resale, exchange or transfer of a dog in this Commonwealth for the purpose of transferring ownership or possession to a third party.

"Owner." When applied to the proprietorship of a dog, includes every person having a right of property in such dog, and every person who keeps or harbors such dog or has it in his care, and every person who permits such dog to remain on or about any premises occupied by him.

"Permanent identification" or "permanently identified." Any long-lasting identification designed to be nonremovable, such as a tattoo or microchip, determined by the Department of Agriculture through regulation. Any dog

permanently identified shall be required to bear a license tag in accordance with the provisions of this act.

"Person with a disability." A person who receives disability insurance or supplemental security income for the aged, blind or disabled under the Social Security Act (49 Stat. 620, 42 U.S.C. § 301 et seq.) or who receives a rent or property tax rebate under the act of March 11, 1971 (P.L. 104, No. 3), [FN7] known as the "Senior Citizens Rebate and Assistance Act," on account of disability or who has a handicapped license plate under 75 Pa.C.S. § 1338 (relating to handicapped plate and placard).

"Persons." Includes State and local officers, or employees, individuals, corporations, copartnerships and associations. Singular words shall include the plural. Masculine words shall include the feminine and neuter.

"Pet shop-kennel." Any kennel or person that acquires and sells dogs for the purpose of resale, whether as owner, agent or consignee, and sells or offers to sell such dogs on a retail basis.

"Police officer." Any person employed or elected by this Commonwealth, or by any municipality and whose duty it is to preserve peace or to make arrests or to enforce the law. The term includes constables and dog, game, fish and forest wardens.

"Private kennel." A kennel at, in, or adjoining a residence where dogs are kept or bred by their owner, for the purpose of hunting, tracking and exhibiting in dog shows, or field and obedience trials.

"Proper enclosure of a dangerous dog." The secure confinement of a dangerous dog either indoors or in a securely enclosed and locked pen or structure, suitable to prevent the entry of young children and designed to prevent the animal from escaping. Such pen or structure shall have secure sides and a secure top and shall also provide protection from the elements for the dog. If the pen or structure has no bottom secured to the sides, the sides must be embedded at least two feet into the ground.

"Public place." A place in this Commonwealth to which the general public has a right to resort. A public place need not be a place devoted solely to use by the public, but may be a place which is visited by many persons on a regular basis and is usually accessible to the neighboring public. A public place shall also include television and radio media.

"Research." Investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts or procedures, revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts or practical application of such new or revised theories or laws as related to the advancement of medical science and technological treatment of disease or surgical operations, medical procedures, transplants, functions and any form of medical or pharmacological actions on dogs when applied and personally supervised by a qualified scientist with degrees approved by the secretary.

"Research kennel." Any kennel within the Commonwealth wherein research is conducted with dogs, or where vivisection is practiced with dogs, or any establishment which breeds, buys, sells, or in any way transfers dogs to laboratories, hospitals, establishments for research or any other similar purpose, or which sells, gives away or in any way transfers dogs to another research or dealer kennel.

"Secretary." The Secretary of Agriculture or any person to whom authority has been delegated by the Secretary of Agriculture.

"Service dog." Any dog which has been trained as a guide dog, signal dog or has been trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including, but not limited to guiding individuals with impaired vision, alerting individuals with impaired hearing to intruders or sounds, pulling a wheelchair or fetching dropped items.

"Severe injury." Any physical injury that results in broken bones or disfiguring lacerations requiring multiple sutures or cosmetic surgery.

"State dog warden." An employee of the department whose primary duty is to enforce this act and the regulations pursuant thereto.

"Vivisection." The cutting of or operation on a living animal for physical or pathological investigation or animal experimentation.

"Wild" or "semiwild animal." A domestic animal which is now or historically has been found in the wild, including, but not limited to, bison, deer, elk, llamas or any species of foreign or domestic cattle, such as ankole, gayal and yak.

[FN1] 3 P.S. § 459-200.

[FN2] 63 P.S. § 485.1 et seq.

[FN3] 3 P.S. § 459-1002(a.1).

[FN4] 3 P.S. § 459-502-A.

[FN5] 3 P.S. § 328.1 et seq.

[FN6] 3 P.S. §§ 459-901 and 459-1002.

[FN7] 72 P.S. § 4751-1 et seq.

CREDIT(S)

1982, Dec. 7, P.L. 784, No. 225, art. I, § 102, effective Jan. 1, 1983. Amended 1996, Dec. 11, P.L. 943, No. 151, § 1, imd. effective.

§ 459-200. Issuance of dog licenses; compensation; proof required; deposit of funds; records; license sales; rules and regulations; failure to comply; unlawful acts; penalty

(a) Issuance of dog licenses.--

(1) The county treasurer shall be an agent and shall process applications for dog license certificates and issue dog license certificates and tags.

(2) The county treasurer may authorize district justices to be agents and to process applications for dog license certificates and to issue dog license certificates and tags.

(3) The county treasurer may authorize other agents within the county to process dog license certificates and to issue dog license certificates and tags. At least half of the agents appointed in each county shall have hours of operation after 5 p.m. at least one weekday and shall be open at least one day of each weekend. Agents who have been appointed by their respective county treasurers under this paragraph shall meet bonding requirements as their respective county treasurers may require.

(4) The secretary shall have the authority, after a review of the agents appointed by a county treasurer, to appoint agents within each county to process dog license certificates and to issue dog license certificates and tags. Priority shall be given to licensed doctors of veterinary medicine and kennels licensed under this act. At least half of the agents appointed in each county shall have hours of operation after 5 p.m. at least one weekday and shall be open at least one day of each weekend. Agents appointed by the secretary under this paragraph shall be required to post a bond or other security instrument in a form satisfactory to the secretary in an amount he determines. The secretary may recall the appointment of any agent at any time.

(5) Agents who have been appointed by their respective county treasurers prior to the effective date of this section may continue to act as agents for the county treasurers under such bonding requirements as the county treasurer may require.

(b) Compensation.--For services rendered in collecting and paying over dog license fees, agents, for as long as they continue to act in that capacity, may collect and retain a sum of $1 for each dog license sold, which amount shall be full compensation for services rendered by them under this act. The compensation shall be retained by the respective agents and shall cover, among other things, the cost of processing and issuing dog licenses, postage, mailing, returns and bonding of the agents. A district justice authorized by the county treasurer to process applications for dog license certificates and issue dog license certificates and tags is not authorized to collect compensation under this subsection. Agents under subsection (a)(3) and (5) shall collect an additional 50¢ which shall be remitted to the county treasurer, for the use of the county, in the same manner as records are forwarded under subsection (e).

(c) Proof required.--Each agent shall secure positive proof of the owner's identification, age and disability, if any, and the dog's spay/neuter status, as may be appropriate, for each dog license sold.

(d) Deposit of funds.--All dog license fees paid to an agent under this act, less compensation if collected, shall be paid by those agents into the State Treasury for deposit in the Dog Law Restricted Account at least once a month, and they shall be applied to the purposes provided for in this act. An agent shall make a return to the department upon a form to be supplied by the department.

(e) Records.--Each agent shall keep on a printed form supplied by the department a correct and complete record of all dog licenses issued. The records shall be available at reasonable hours for inspection by any employee of the department charged with the enforcement of this act or any representative of the Department of Auditor General or Office of Attorney General. Within five days following the first day of each month, each agent shall forward to the secretary and to the county treasurer of the county in which the agent is situated, on forms supplied by the department, a complete report of dog licenses issued, in correct numerical sequence. All money collected from the sale of dog licenses, less compensation if collected, and any other information required by the secretary shall be forwarded to the secretary with the report.

(f) License sales.--Each agent shall process applications and issue dog license certificates on a year-round basis. Nothing in this act shall permit an agent while acting in that capacity to suspend license sales during any time.

(g) Rules and regulations.--The department may promulgate such rules and regulations as it deems necessary to control and supervise the issuance of dog licenses by agents.

(h) Failure to comply.--An agent who fails to comply with this act or regulations adopted under this act relating to the issuance, recording of data or remitting of costs for dog licenses issued shall not be entitled to retain the sum under subsection (b) for his services but shall pay the sum to the State Treasury for deposit into the Dog Law Restricted Account. Delinquent agents are subject to a penalty of 10% per month on any outstanding balance of dog license money due the department, which penalty shall be compounded on a monthly basis. Any money not paid may be recovered by the Commonwealth by suit in the same manner as like amounts are recoverable by law. Delinquent agents shall be recalled after a delinquency period of 60 days.

(i) Unlawful acts concerning agents.--It is unlawful for an agent or his representative to knowingly:

(1) Issue a dog license at a fee greater than the fee prescribed in this act.

(2) Issue a dog license without first securing the proofs required under subsection (c).

(3) Falsify the date of a license certificate.

(4) Violate any other provision of this section.

(j) Penalty.--Any agent who violates this section or the rules or regulations promulgated under it commits a summary offense and, upon conviction, shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than $300 nor more than $500 and, in addition, may have his agency recalled at the discretion of the secretary. Each day of violation or each illegal act constitutes a separate offense.

CREDIT(S)

1996, Dec. 11, P.L. 943, No. 151, § 2, imd. effective.

§ 459-201. Applications for dog licenses; fees; penalties

(a) General rule.--Except as provided in subsection (b), on or before January 1 of each year, unless and until the department promulgates regulations establishing a system of dog license renewal on an annual basis throughout the calendar year, the owner of any dog, three months of age or older, except as hereinafter provided, shall apply to the county treasurer of his respective county or an agent under section 200(a), [FN1] on a form prescribed by the department for a license for such dog. The application and license certificate shall state the breed, sex, age, color and markings of such dog, the name, address and telephone number of the owner and the year of licensure. The application shall be accompanied by the appropriate license fee as follows:

(1) For each neutered male dog and for each spayed female dog for which the certificate of a licensed doctor of veterinary medicine or the affidavit of the owner is produced, the license fee shall be $5.

(2) For all other male and female dogs, the license fee shall be $7.

(3) For Pennsylvania residents 65 years of age or older and persons with disabilities:

(i) For each neutered male dog and for each spayed female dog for which the certificate of a licensed doctor of veterinary medicine or the affidavit of the owner is produced, the license fee shall be $3.

(ii) For all other male and female dogs, the license fee shall be $5.

(4) Compensation, if collected under section 200(b), [FN2] shall also be paid by all applicants, regardless of age or disability.

(b) Lifetime license.--The owner of any dog three months of age or older which has been permanently identified may apply to the county treasurer of his respective county or an agent under section 200(a), on a form prescribed by the department for a lifetime license for such a dog. Except as otherwise provided in this act, a dog which has been issued a lifetime license shall be required to wear a license tag. The application and license certificate shall state the breed, sex, age, color and markings of such dog, the type and number of permanent identification and the name, address and telephone number of the owner. The application shall be accompanied by the appropriate license fee as follows:

(1) For each neutered male dog and for each spayed female dog for which the certificate of a licensed doctor of veterinary medicine or the affidavit of the owner is produced, the lifetime license fee shall be $30.

(2) For all other male and female dogs, the license fee shall be $50.

(3) For Pennsylvania residents 65 years of age or older and persons with disabilities:

(i) For each neutered male dog and for each spayed female dog for which the certificate of a licensed doctor of veterinary medicine or the affidavit of the owner is produced, the license fee shall be $20.

(ii) For all other male and female dogs, the license fee shall be $30.

(4) Compensation, if collected under section 200(b), shall also be paid by all applicants, regardless of age or disability. A dog which has been issued a lifetime license prior to the effective date of this act shall not be subject to fees under this subsection.

(c) Penalty.--A person who violates this section commits a summary offense and, upon conviction, shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than $25 nor more than $300 for each unlicensed dog.

[FN1] 3 P.S. § 459-200(a).

[FN2] 3 P.S. § 459-200(b).

CREDIT(S)

1982, Dec. 7, P.L. 784, No. 225, art. II, § 201, effective Jan. 1, 1983. Amended 1996, Dec. 11, P.L. 943, No. 151, § 3, imd. effective.

§ 459-202. License certificates; tag removal; exclusion for some dogs

Each dog license certificate shall be dated and numbered, and shall bear the name of the county where such license is issued and any other information required pursuant to regulations promulgated by the department. All dog licenses except lifetime licenses as provided in section 201(b) [FN1] shall expire upon December 31 of the year for which the license was issued unless and until the department promulgates regulations establishing a system of dog license renewal on an annual basis throughout the calendar year. A tag bearing the same number issued with the license certificate shall be affixed to a substantial collar or harness. The collar or harness shall be furnished by the owner, and, with the tag attached, shall at all times be kept on the dog for which the license is issued, except as otherwise provided in this act. Dogs which are confined or are actively engaged in shows, obedience or field trials are excluded from wearing a current license tag on a collar or harness, as long as a current tag is in the possession of the owner or handler for each dog. It shall be unlawful for any person, except the owner or his authorized agent, or a State dog warden, to remove any license tag from a dog's collar or harness or to remove any collar or harness with a license tag attached thereto from any dog, except as provided in the act of June 3, 1937 (P.L. 1225, No. 316), [FN2] known as "The Game Law," and except as herein or otherwise provided.

[FN1] 3 P.S. § 459-201(b).

[FN2] 34 P.S. § 1311.1 et seq. (repealed).

CREDIT(S)

1982, Dec. 7, P.L. 784, No. 225, art. II, § 202, effective Jan. 1, 1983. Amended 1996, Dec. 11, P.L. 943, No. 151, § 3, effective in 60 days.

§ 459-203. Tags furnished to county treasurers and other agents; lost tags

The department shall furnish to the county treasurers and to other agents under section 200(a) [FN1] tags to be given to applicants for dog licenses. The department shall furnish to the county treasurers tags to be distributed to agents under section 200(a)(3) and (5). Such tags shall bear the name of the county where such dog license is issued and a serial number corresponding to the number on the issued dog license certificate. Such tags shall not contain more than one square inch of area between the ears or the fastening device and have impressed thereon the calendar year for which the tag is valid. If any tag is lost, it shall be replaced by the county treasurer upon production of the dog license certificate. The cost for the issuance of a tag due to loss shall be $1 paid to the county treasurer for the use of the county.

[FN1] 3 P.S. § 459-200(a).

CREDIT(S)

1982, Dec. 7, P.L. 784, No. 225, art. II, § 203, effective Jan. 1, 1983. Amended 1996, Dec. 11, P.L. 943, No. 151, § 3, effective in 60 days.

§ 459-204. Deleted. 1996, Dec. 11, P.L. 943, No. 151, § 4, effective in 60 days

§ 459-205. Transfer of dog licenses or tags; other licensing requirements

(a) Transfer of dog license.--It is unlawful to transfer a dog license or dog license tag issued for one dog to another dog, except as otherwise provided in this act. Whenever the ownership or possession of any dog is permanently transferred from one person to another within the same county, the license of such dog may be likewise transferred, upon application to an agent under section 200(a). [FN1] Such application shall be accompanied by a bill of sale or an affidavit from the owner that ownership of the dog is to be transferred. A new dog license, or the transfer of a dog license already secured, is not required when the possession of a dog is temporarily transferred for the purpose of hunting game, or for breeding, boarding and training, trial or show, in this Commonwealth. The issuing agent shall charge and retain $1 for such transfer application.

(b) Dog moved to another county.--Whenever any dog licensed in one county is permanently moved to another county, an issuing agent of the county where the dog license was issued shall, upon the application of the owner or keeper of such dog, certify such dog license to an agent of the county to which the dog is moved. Such agent shall thereupon, and upon the payment of a fee of $1 for the use of the agent, issue a dog license and tag for such dog in the county to which it is moved.

(c) Owners of unlicensed dogs.--Any person other than as exempt in section 206, [FN2] becoming the owner of any dog three months old or older, which has not already been licensed shall forthwith apply for and secure a license for such dog under the provisions of this act.

[FN1] 3 P.S. § 459-200(a).

[FN2] 3 P.S. § 459-206.

CREDIT(S)

1982, Dec. 7, P.L. 784, No. 225, art. II, § 205, effective Jan. 1, 1983. Amended 1996, Dec. 11, P.L. 943, No. 151, § 5, effective in 60 days.

§ 459-206. Kennels

(a) Applications, kennel license classifications and fees.--Any person who keeps or operates a Class I, Class II, Class III, Class IV or Class V Kennel, Boarding Kennel Class I, Boarding Kennel Class II, Boarding Kennel Class III or nonprofit kennel shall, on or before January 1 of each year, apply to the department for a kennel license. The application forms and kennel licenses shall be as designated by the secretary. A separate license shall be required for each type of kennel and every location at which a kennel is kept or operated. A kennel license is required to keep or operate any establishment that keeps, harbors, boards, shelters, sells, gives away or in any way transfers a cumulative total of 26 or more dogs of any age in any one calendar year. All kennel licenses shall expire on December 31. When two or more licensed kennels are operated by the same person at the same location, each kennel shall be inspected and licensed for each use.

Kennel Class I.

To keep or operate a private kennel, pet shop-kennel, research kennel, dealer kennel or breeding kennel for a cumulative total of 50 dogs or less of any age during a calendar year--$75 per year.

Kennel Class II.

To keep or operate a private kennel, pet shop-kennel, research kennel, dealer kennel or breeding kennel for a cumulative total of 51 to 100 dogs of any age during a calendar year--$200 per year.

Kennel Class III

To keep or operate a private kennel, pet shop-kennel, research kennel, dealer kennel or breeding kennel for a cumulative total of 101 to 150 dogs of any age during a calendar year--$300 per year.

Kennel Class IV

To keep or operate a private kennel, pet shop-kennel, research kennel, dealer kennel or breeding kennel for a cumulative total of 151 to 250 dogs of any age during a calendar year--$400 per year.

Kennel Class V

To keep or operate a private kennel, pet shop-kennel, research kennel, dealer kennel or breeding kennel for a cumulative total of 251 or more dogs of any age during a calendar year--$500 per year.

Boarding Kennel Class I

To keep or operate a boarding kennel having the capacity to accommodate a total of 1 to 10 dogs at any time during a calendar year--$100 per year.

Boarding Kennel Class II

To keep or operate a boarding kennel having the capacity to accommodate a total of 11 to 25 dogs at any time during a calendar year--$150 per year.

Boarding Kennel Class III

To keep or operate a boarding kennel having the capacity to accommodate 26 or more dogs at any time during a calendar year--$250 per year.

Nonprofit Kennel--$25 per year.

(b) Nonprofit kennels.--A nonprofit kennel shall apply for a nonprofit kennel license. Such kennel may use its own identification tags for dogs confined therein. The secretary may approve, upon application, the removal of tags from licensed dogs confined therein.

(d) Issuance of tags.--The department shall issue the number of tags equal to the number of dogs three months of age or older, or a lesser number as determined by the kennel owner's needs, approved by the secretary to be kept in a kennel described under this section. All tags shall bear the name of the county where they are issued, the kennel license number and any other information required by the secretary through regulations.

(e) Kennel removed to another county.--If a person that keeps or operates a kennel permanently removes the kennel to another county, the person shall file an application with the secretary to transfer the license to the county of removal. Upon approval by the secretary, the kennel license shall remain in effect until it has expired pursuant to this section.

(f) Adequacy of fees.--On or before July 1, 1998, the department shall submit a report to the chairperson and minority chairperson of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee of the Senate and the chairperson and minority chairperson of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives comparing the expenses incurred by the department for enforcing this act with regard to kennels and the revenues received by the department in accordance with this section.

CREDIT(S)

1982, Dec. 7, P.L. 784, No. 225, art. II, § 206, effective Jan. 1, 1983. Amended 1996, Dec. 11, P.L. 943, No. 151, § 5, effective in 60 days.

§ 459-207. Requirements for kennels

(a.1) Prohibition to operate; injunction; fines.--It shall be unlawful for kennels described under section 206 [FN1] to operate without first obtaining a kennel license from the department. The secretary shall not approve any kennel license application unless such kennel has been inspected and approved by a State dog warden or employee of the department. The secretary may file a suit in equity in the Commonwealth Court to enjoin the operation of any kennel that violates any of the provisions of this act. In addition, the secretary may seek in such suit the imposition of a fine for every day in violation of this act for an amount not less than $100 nor more than $500 per day.

(b) Maintenance of kennels.--All kennels shall be maintained in a sanitary and humane condition in accordance with standards and sanitary codes promulgated by the secretary through regulations.

(c) Records to be maintained.--Every keeper of a kennel shall keep, for two years, a record of each dog at any time kept in the kennel. Such record shall show:

(1) The breed, color, markings, sex and age of each dog.

(2) The date on which each dog entered the kennel.

(3) From where it came.

(4) To whom it belongs.

(5) For what purpose each dog is kept in the kennel.

(6) The date on which each dog leaves the kennel.

(7) How and to whom it is dispensed.

(8) The name, address and telephone number of the licensed doctor of veterinary medicine used by the kennel. Such record shall be legible and shall be open to inspection and may be copied by any employee of the department, State dog warden or police officer as defined by this act.

(d) Additional requirements.--Every holder of a kennel license shall attach one tag to a collar or harness of each dog three months old or older kept by that person, whenever the dog is not within the kennel except as provided for in

section 202. [FN2]

[FN1] 3 P.S. § 459-206.

[FN2] 3 P.S. § 459-202.

CREDIT(S)

1982, Dec. 7, P.L. 784, No. 225, art. II, § 207, effective Jan. 1, 1983. Amended 1996, Dec. 11, P.L. 943, No. 151, § 5, effective in 60 days.

§ 459-208. Deleted. 1996, Dec. 11, P.L. 943, No. 151, § 5, effective in 60 days

§ 459-209. Out-of-state dealer license; application; fee; prohibitions

(a) Out-of-state dealers.--All out-of-state dealers shall on or before January 1 of each year, apply to the secretary for an out-of-state dealer license. The fee for such license shall be $300, plus appropriate kennel license fees required under section 206. [FN1] All fees collected under this section shall be remitted to the State Treasury for credit to the Dog Law Restricted Account. All licenses under this section shall expire upon December 31 of the year for which the license was issued. The forms for the application and license shall be approved by the secretary through regulations.

(b) Unlawful acts.--It shall be unlawful for out-of-state dealers to transport dogs into or within the Commonwealth or to operate or maintain a dealer kennel or to deal in any manner with dogs without first obtaining an out-of-state dealer license from the department.

[FN1] 3 P.S. § 459-206.

CREDIT(S)

1982, Dec. 7, P.L. 784, No. 225, art. II, § 209, effective Jan. 1, 1983. Amended 1996, Dec. 11, P.L. 943, No. 151, § 5, effective in 60 days.

§ 459-210. Bills of sale

All owners or operators of kennels described in section 206, [FN1] and all out-of-state dealers shall be required to have in their possession a bill of sale for each dog purchased or transported, except for dogs delivered to the kennel licensee for purposes of boarding or for dogs whelped at the kennel. Any bill of sale which is fraudulent or indicates the theft of any dog, shall be prima facie evidence for the immediate revocation of license by the secretary. The bill of sale shall contain information required by the secretary through regulations.

[FN1] 3 P.S. § 459-206.

CREDIT(S)

1982, Dec. 7, P.L. 784, No. 225, art. II, § 210, effective Jan. 1, 1982.

§ 459-211. Revocation, suspension or refusal of kennel licenses

(a) General powers of secretary.--The secretary may revoke or suspend a kennel license or out-of-state dealer license or refuse to issue a kennel license or out-of-state dealer license for any one or more of the following reasons:

(1) the person holding or applying for a license has made a material misstatement or misrepresentation in the license application;

(2) the person holding or applying for a license has made a material misstatement or misrepresentation to the department or its personnel regarding a matter relevant to the license;

(3) the person holding or applying for a license has been convicted of any violation of this act;

(4) the person holding or applying for a license has failed to comply with any regulation promulgated under this act; or

(5) the person holding or applying for a license has been convicted of any law relating to cruelty to animals.

(b) Notice of action.--

(1) The secretary shall provide written notice of a kennel license or an out- of-state dealer license revocation, suspension or refusal to the person whose license is revoked, suspended or refused. The notice shall set forth the general factual and legal basis for the action and shall advise the affected person that within ten days of receipt of the notice he may file with the secretary a written request for an administrative hearing. The hearing shall be conducted in accordance with 2 Pa.C.S. (relating to administrative law and procedure).

(2) Written notice of revocation, suspension or refusal shall be served by personal service or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, to the person or to a responsible employee of such person whose license is revoked, suspended or refused. Revocation or suspension shall commence upon service of the written notice.

(c) Seizure and constructive seizure.--

(1) Whenever the secretary revokes, suspends or refuses a kennel license or an out-of-state dealer license, the department may seize and impound any dog in the possession, custody or care of the person whose license is revoked, suspended or refused if there are reasonable grounds to believe that the dog's health, safety or welfare is endangered. Reasonable costs of transportation, care and feeding of a seized and impounded dog shall be paid by the person from whom the dog was seized and impounded.

(2) (i) If the person whose kennel license or out-of-state dealer license is revoked, suspended or refused and whose dog has been seized and impounded provides the secretary with satisfactory evidence or assurances that the dog will receive adequate care and has paid all costs of transportation, care and feeding related to the seizure and impoundment of the dog, the person may retrieve the seized and impounded dog.

(ii) If the owner of a seized and impounded dog is someone other than the person from whom the dog was seized and impounded, the dog owner may retrieve his dog from impoundment upon payment of all transportation, care and feeding costs applicable to the dog. The person from whom the dog was seized and impounded shall be responsible to reimburse the dog owner for the transportation, care and feeding costs.

(3) The secretary shall allow a dog to remain in the physical possession, custody or care of the person whose kennel license or out-of-state dealer license is revoked, suspended or refused upon any one or more of the following findings:

(i) the secretary has no reasonable grounds to believe that the health, safety or welfare of the dog is endangered; or

(ii) the person whose license is revoked, suspended or refused has provided satisfactory evidence or assurances that the dog will receive adequate care.

(4) Ownership of a dog which has been seized and impounded or which is under constructive seizure may be forfeited upon the written request of its owner.

(5) The secretary may direct that ownership of a particular dog which is seized and impounded pursuant to paragraph (1) is to be forfeited. The department shall serve the owner of the affected dog with written notice of forfeiture. The notice shall indicate that ownership of the dog in question may be forfeited to some entity other than the department. Notice of forfeiture shall be served by personal service or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, to the owner of the affected dog or a responsible person at the kennel from which the dog was seized and impounded. The notice shall specify an effective date of forfeiture which shall be not less than ten days from service of the notice. The notice shall further inform the dog owner of his right to request an administrative hearing on the issue of forfeiture by delivering a written request to the department prior to the date of forfeiture. A written hearing request shall act as a supersedeas of the forfeiture action. At the administrative hearing, the department shall have the burden of proving that the affected dog owner did not adequately care for the subject dog, or that no satisfactory evidence or assurances have been given to the department that the subject dog will be adequately cared for if it is returned to the owner, or that the owner has abandoned the subject dog. Abandonment shall be presumed if an owner fails to make timely payment of reasonable costs of transportation, care and feeding of the seized and impounded dog after two written requests to do so have been served by personal service or registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, upon a responsible person at the kennel in question or to the dog owner.

(d) Reimbursement of transportation, care and feeding costs.--A person described in subsection (c)(1) and (2) who has paid transportation, care and feeding costs with respect to a dog seized under this section may make application to the department for reimbursement of the costs if all persons cited or charged with violations of this act as the result of the conditions at the kennel at issue are acquitted of all charges or violations.

(e) Department as guarantor of payment of certain costs.--A kennel at which a dog is impounded by the department under the authority of this section shall be compensated from the Dog Law Restricted Account in the amount of $5 per dog for each day or portion thereof that the dog is held at the kennel if:

(1) the kennel has attempted, without success, to obtain payment for transportation, care and feeding costs from the owner of the dog and the owner of the kennel from which the dog was seized and impounded; and

(2) the kennel makes written application to the department, setting forth the amount sought, details of a good faith attempt at obtaining payment of the costs from the dog owner and the kennel owner and the dates and number of dogs justifying the amount sought.

(f) Prohibition.--No dog seized under this section shall be sold or given freely for the purpose of vivisection or research or be conveyed in any manner for these purposes or be conveyed to a dealer.

CREDIT(S)

1982, Dec. 7, P.L. 784, No. 225, art. II, § 211, effective Jan. 1, 1983. Amended 1996, Dec. 11, P.L. 943, No. 151, § 5, effective in 60 days.

§ 459-212. Dogs temporarily in the Commonwealth

Any person may bring, or cause to be brought into the State, for a period of 30 days, one or more dogs for show, trial, or breeding purposes or as a household pet without securing a Pennsylvania license, and any person holding a Pennsylvania nonresident hunting license may, without securing a license or licenses therefor, bring or cause to be brought into the State one or more dogs for the purpose of hunting game during any hunting season when hunting with dogs is permitted by law, if a similar exemption from the necessity of securing dog licenses is afforded for hunting purposes to residents of Pennsylvania by the State of such person's residence; but each dog shall be equipped with a collar bearing a name plate giving the name and address of the owner.

CREDIT(S)

1982, Dec. 7, P.L. 784, No. 225, art. II, § 212, effective Jan. 1, 1983.

§ 459-213. Transportation of dogs

It shall be unlawful for any dog required to be licensed as hereinbefore provided, to be transported for any purpose without a current license tag firmly attached to a collar or harness securely fastened to the dog except when a dog is being transported for law enforcement or humane purposes. All vehicles being used to transport dogs are subject to inspection and must meet requirements for such transportation through regulations as promulgated by the secretary.

CREDIT(S)

1982, Dec. 7, P.L. 784, No. 225, art. II, § 213, effective Jan. 1, 1983.

§ 459-214. Health certificates for importation

It shall be unlawful to transport any dog into this Commonwealth except under the provisions in section 212 [FN1] without a certificate of health prepared by a licensed doctor of veterinary medicine, which certificate, or copy of such, shall accompany such dog while in this Commonwealth. Such certificate shall state that the dog is at least seven weeks of age and shows no signs or symptoms of infectious or communicable disease; did not originate within an area under quarantine for rabies; and, as ascertained by reasonable investigation, has not been exposed to rabies within 100 days of importation. All dogs must have been vaccinated for rabies in accordance with the act of December 15, 1986 (P.L. 1610, No. 181), [FN2] known as the "Rabies Prevention and Control in Domestic Animals and Wildlife Act." The name of the vaccine manufacturer, the date of administration, and the rabies tag number must appear on health certificates prepared by a licensed doctor of veterinary medicine.

[FN1] 3 P.S. § 459-212.

[FN2] 3 P.S. § 455.1 et seq.

CREDIT(S)

1982, Dec. 7, P.L. 784, No. 225, art. II, § 214, effective Jan. 1, 1983. Amended 1996, Dec. 11, P.L. 943, No. 151, § 5, effective in 60 days.

§§ 459-215, 459-216. Deleted. 1996, Dec. 11, P.L. 943, No. 151, § 5, effective in 60 days

§ 459-217. Service dogs and dogs used by municipal or State Police departments

(a) Fee exemptions.--The provisions of this act relating to the payment of fees and other charges shall not apply to any person who uses a service dog for aid or any municipal or State Police department or agency using a dog in the performance of the functions or duties of such department or agency. License tags for service dogs and dogs used by any municipal or State agency in the performance of the functions or duties of such department or agency shall be issued without charge.

(b) Licensing exemption for puppies being trained to be service dogs.-- Notwithstanding the provisions of section 201 [FN1] or any other provisions of this act, puppies that are brought into this Commonwealth for a period of less than 18 months as part of a formalized training to be service dogs shall be exempt from the licensing requirements of this act.

[FN1] 3 P.S. § 459-201.

CREDIT(S)

1982, Dec. 7, P.L. 784, No. 225, art. II, § 217, effective Jan. 1, 1983. Amended 1990, May 31, P.L. 211, No. 45, § 1, effective in 60 days; 1996, Dec. 11, P.L. 943, No. 151, § 6, effective in 60 days.

§ 459-218. Inspections of premises and dogs

State dog wardens and other employees of the department are hereby authorized to inspect all kennels and dogs within the Commonwealth to enforce the provisions of this act and regulations promulgated by the department pursuant to this act. State dog wardens and employees of the department shall inspect all licensed kennels within the Commonwealth at least once per calendar year to enforce the provisions of this act and regulations promulgated by the department under this act. State dog wardens and only regular, full-time employees of the department shall be authorized to enter upon the premises of approved medical, dental or veterinary schools, hospitals, clinics or other medical or scientific institutions, organizations or persons where research is being conducted or where pharmaceuticals, drugs or biologicals are being produced. Research facilities in the Commonwealth that are currently under Federal Government inspection shall be exempt from State inspection if they have undergone no less than one Federal Government inspection within the past 12 months. Submission of such evidence of Federal inspection by documentation to the department may be established by regulation subject to legislative review. It shall be unlawful for any person to refuse admittance to such State dog wardens and employees of the department for the purpose of making inspections and enforcing the provisions of this act.

CREDIT(S)

1982, Dec. 7, P.L. 784, No. 225, art. II, § 218, effective Jan. 1, 1983. Amended 1996, Dec. 11, P.L. 943, No. 151, § 7, effective in 60 days.

§ 459-219. Additional duties of the department

(a) Enforcement of licensure requirement; development of plan.--By no later than June 30, 1997, the department shall develop and begin to implement a written plan to increase the number of dog licenses issued in this Commonwealth. Such plan shall be developed in consultation with the several counties and municipalities which enforce the provisions of this act and in consultation with the Dog Law Advisory Board and shall at least include methodology for increasing the number of dog licenses issued and assuring the annual renewal of such licenses. The methodology may include the periodic use of public service advertisements, newspaper advertisements, school and special events-based educational programs conducted in conjunction with counties and organizations concerned with the humane care and treatment of dogs, and literature designed to increase awareness of this act which may be provided to purchasers of dogs at the point of sale.

(b) Analysis of plan; report.--By no later than June 30, 1998, the department shall submit to the chairperson and minority chairperson of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee of the Senate and the chairperson and minority chairperson of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives a report analyzing the activities adopted by the department to implement the plan and the results of such activities.

CREDIT(S)

1982, Dec. 7, P.L. 784, No. 225, § 219, added 1996, Dec. 11, P.L. 943, No. 151, § 8, effective in 60 days.

§ 459-301. Quarantines

A quarantine may be established by any State dog warden, licensed doctor of veterinary medicine having the approval of a State dog warden or any licensed doctor of veterinary medicine employed by the department or State or county health department. Any State dog warden, licensed doctor of veterinary medicine having the approval of a State dog warden or any licensed doctor of veterinary medicine employed by the department or State or county health department may enforce a quarantine whenever it is deemed necessary or advisable by the department to examine, test, treat, control or destroy any dog, or examine, disinfect or regulate the use of any premises, materials or products for the purpose of preventing or controlling the spread of any disease. Until a quarantine is officially revoked by the secretary or his employee, it shall be unlawful for any owner or person, without a special permit in writing from the department to sell, exchange, lease, lend, give away, allow to stray, remove or allow to be removed any dog or dogs, or any products, goods, materials, containers, vehicles or other articles or property named or described in the notice of quarantine. When a general rabies quarantine is established, at least ten notices thereof shall be posted throughout the area affected thereby and notice thereof shall also be published in at least one issue of a newspaper of general circulation throughout such city, borough, town or township. Any dog suspected of being rabid shall be detained in isolation by the owner, if known, and if such facilities are approved by the department or by an employee of the department. If such detention has incurred costs not collectible by the employee of the department, then the employee of the department shall approve and reimburse the actual cost of such detention to the person providing facilities for such detention. Any police officer or State dog warden may humanely kill any dog running at large in a rabies quarantined area without any liability for damages for such killing.

CREDIT(S)

1982, Dec. 7, P.L. 784, No. 225, art. III, § 301, effective Jan. 1, 1983. Amended 1996, Dec. 11, P.L. 943, No. 151, § 9, effective in 60 days.

§ 459-302. Seizure and detention of dogs; costs; destruction of dogs

(a) General rule.--It shall be the duty of every police officer , State dog warden, employee of the department or animal control officer to seize and detain any dog which is found running at large, either upon the public streets or highways of the Commonwealth, or upon the property of a person other than the owner of such dog, and unaccompanied by the owner or keeper. Every police officer , State dog warden, employee of the department or animal control officer may humanely kill any dog which is found running at large and is deemed after due consideration by the police officer , State dog warden, employee of the department or animal control officer to constitute a threat to the public health and welfare.

(b) Licensed dogs.--The State dog warden or employee of the department, the animal control officer, or the chief of police or his agents of any city, borough, town or township, the constable of any borough and the constable of any incorporated town or township shall cause any dog bearing a proper license tag or permanent identification and so seized and detained to be properly kept and fed at any licensed kennel approved by the secretary for such purposes and shall cause immediate notice, by registered or certified mail with return receipt requested, to the person in whose name the license was procured, or his agent, to claim such dog within five days after receipt thereof. The owner or claimant of a dog so detained shall pay a penalty of $15 to the political subdivision whose police officers make such seizures and detention and all reasonable expenses incurred by reason of its detention to the detaining parties before the dog is returned. If five days after obtaining the postal return receipt, such dog has not been claimed, such chief of police, or his agent, or a constable, or State dog warden or employee of the department shall dispense such dog by sale or by giving it to a humane society or association for the prevention of cruelty to animals. No dog so caught and detained shall be sold for the purpose of vivisection, or research, or be conveyed in any manner for these purposes. All moneys derived from the sale of such dog, after deducting the expenses of its detention, shall be paid through the Department of Agriculture to the State Treasurer for credit to the Dog Law Restricted Account.

(c) Unlicensed dogs.--Except as otherwise provided by section 305, [FN1] any police officer, State dog warden, employee of the department or animal control officer shall cause any unlicensed dog to be seized, detained, kept and fed for a period of 48 hours at any licensed kennel approved by the secretary for such purposes, except any dog seriously ill or injured or forfeited with the owner's permission. Any person may view such detained dogs during normal business hours. Any unlicensed dog remaining unclaimed after 48 hours may be humanely killed or given to a humane society or association for the prevention of cruelty to animals. No dog so caught and detained shall be sold for the purpose of vivisection, or research, or be conveyed in any manner for these purposes.

[FN1] 3 P.S. § 459-305.

CREDIT(S)

1982, Dec. 7, P.L. 784, No. 225, art. III, § 302, effective Jan. 1, 1983. Amended 1996, Dec. 11, P.L. 943, No. 151, § 9, effective in 60 days.

§ 459-303. Deleted. 1996, Dec. 11, P.L. 943, No. 151, § 9, effective in 60 days

§ 459-304. Dogs in heat, confinement thereof

It shall be unlawful for the owner or keeper of any female dog to permit such female dog to go beyond the premises of such owner or keeper at any time she is in heat, unless such female dog is properly confined or under control.

CREDIT(S)

1982, Dec. 7, P.L. 784, No. 225, art. III, § 304, effective Jan. 1, 1983.

§ 459-305. Confinement of dogs

It shall be unlawful for the owner or keeper of any dog to fail to keep at all times such dog either:

(1) confined within the premises of the owner;

(2) firmly secured by means of a collar and chain or other device so that it cannot stray beyond the premises on which it is secured; or

(3) under the reasonable control of some person, or when engaged in lawful hunting, exhibition or field training.

CREDIT(S)

1982, Dec. 7, P.L. 784, No. 225, art. III, § 305, effective Jan. 1, 1983.

§ 459-401. Interference with police officer or State dog warden; duties of State dog warden; failure to produce license certificate

(a) Police officers to perform duties.--It shall be unlawful for any police officer to fail or refuse to perform his duties under the provisions of this act and to refuse to assist in the enforcement of this law upon request of the secretary.

(b) State dog wardens and department employees to be considered police officers.--State dog wardens and employees of the department are considered to be police officers when enforcing any of the provisions of this act or regulations pursuant to this act.

(c) Illegal to interfere.--It shall be unlawful for any person to interfere with any officer or employee of the department in the enforcement of this law.

(d) Illegal to cut leash.--It shall be unlawful for any person to forcibly cut the leash or take a dog away from such officer having it in his possession when found running at large unaccompanied by the owner or keeper.

(e) Illegal to fail to produce license.--It shall be unlawful for any person to whom a license certificate has been issued to fail or refuse to produce the license certificate for such dog upon demand of any police officer or employee of the department.

CREDIT(S)

1982, Dec. 7, P.L. 784, No. 225, art. IV, § 401, effective Jan. 1, 1983.

§ 459-402. Notice requiring examination of dog

(a) Authority.--A State dog warden may issue a written notice requiring that a dog be examined by a licensed doctor of veterinary medicine within a maximum of 72 hours if:

(1) the State dog warden personally observes the condition of the dog in the course of an inspection of a kennel or other facility at which a dog is kept; and

(2) the dog exhibits signs of illness, injury or neglect.

(b) Contents of notice.--The written notice requiring that a dog be examined by a veterinarian within 72 hours shall set forth:

(1) information sufficient to identify the person or persons to whom the notice is directed;

(2) information sufficient to identify the dog which must be examined;

(3) the specific signs of illness or injury exhibited by the dog and observed by the State dog warden;

(4) the date and time by which a veterinary examination of the dog must be conducted;

(5) the manner and time in which a report of the results of the veterinary examination shall be delivered to the State dog warden;

(6) a requirement that the report of the results of the veterinary examination address the specific signs of illness or injury observed by the State dog warden; and

(7) a reference to the authority pursuant to which the written notice is issued.

(c) Issuance and service of notice.--The written notice requiring that a dog be examined by a veterinarian within 72 hours shall be issued upon the kennel licensee or the owner of the facility at which the dog is kept. Service of the notice may be accomplished by the State dog warden's leaving a copy of the notice with an employee or other responsible person at the kennel or facility.

(d) Illegal to fail to respond to notice.--It shall be unlawful for a kennel licensee or the owner of a facility at which the dogs are kept to fail to comply with a written notice issued under authority of this section.

CREDIT(S)

1982, Dec. 7, P.L. 784, No. 225, § 402, added 1996, Dec. 11, P.L. 943, No. 151, § 10, effective in 60 days.

§ 459-501. Killing dogs; dogs as nuisances

(a) Legal to kill certain dogs.--Any person may kill any dog which he sees in the act of pursuing or wounding or killing any domestic animal, wounding or killing other dogs, cats or household pets, or pursuing, wounding or attacking human beings, whether or not such a dog bears the license tag required by the provisions of this act. There shall be no liability on such persons in damages or otherwise for such killing.

(b) Private nuisance.--Any dog that enters any field or enclosure where domestic animals are confined, provided that the enclosure is adequate for the purpose intended, shall constitute a private nuisance, and the owner or tenant of such field, or their agent or servant, may detain such dog and turn it over to the local police authority or State dog warden or employee of the department. While so detained, the dog shall be treated in a humane manner.

(c) Licensed dogs not included.--Licensed dogs, when accompanied by their owner or handler, shall not be included under the provisions of this section unless caught in the act of pursuing, wounding or killing any domestic animal, wounding or killing any dogs, cats or household pets, or pursuing, wounding or attacking human beings.

(d) Repealed. 1990, May 31, P.L. 213, No. 46, effective in 60 days.

CREDIT(S)

1982, Dec. 7, P.L. 784, No. 225, art. V, § 501, effective Jan. 1, 1983. Amended 1990, May 31, P.L. 213, No. 46, § 1, effective in 60 days; 1996, Dec. 11, P.L. 943, No. 151, § 11, effective in 60 days.

§ 459-502. Dog bites; detention and isolation of dogs

(a) Confinement.--Any dog which bites or attacks a human being shall be confined in quarters approved by a designated employee of the Department of Health, a State dog warden or employee of the Department of Agriculture, an animal control officer or a police officer. Such dog may be detained and isolated in an approved kennel or at the dog owner's property. Where such dog is detained is at the discretion of the investigating officer. All dogs so detained must be isolated for a minimum of ten days. Any costs incurred in the detaining and isolation of such dog shall be paid by the offending dog's owner. When the dog's owner is not known, the Commonwealth is responsible for all reasonable costs for holding and detaining such dog.

(b) Bite victims.--The investigating officer shall be responsible for notifying the bite victim of the medical results of the offending dog's confinement. Any cost to the victim for medical treatment resulting from an attacking or biting dog must be paid fully by the owner of such dog. The Commonwealth shall not be liable for medical treatment costs to the victim.

(c) Exception.--When a dog that bites or attacks a human being is a service dog or a police work dog in the performance of duties, said dog need not be confined if it is under the active supervision of a licensed doctor of veterinary medicine.

CREDIT(S)

1982, Dec. 7, P.L. 784, No. 225, art. V, § 502, effective Jan. 1, 1983. Amended 1996, Dec. 11, P.L. 943, No. 151, § 12, effective in 60 days.

§ 459-501-A. Deleted. 1996, Dec. 11, P.L. 943, No. 151, § 13, effective in 60 days

§ 459-502-A. Registration

(a) Summary offense of harboring a dangerous dog.--Any person who has been attacked by one or more dogs, or anyone on behalf of such person, a person whose domestic animal has been killed or injured without provocation, the State dog warden or the local police officer may file a complaint before a district justice, charging the owner or keeper of such a dog with harboring a dangerous dog. The owner or keeper of the dog shall be guilty of the summary offense of harboring a dangerous dog if the district justice finds beyond a reasonable doubt that the following elements of the offense have been proven:

(1) The dog has done one or more of the following:

(i) Inflicted severe injury on a human being without provocation on public or private property.

(ii) Killed or inflicted severe injury on a domestic animal without provocation while off the owner's property.

(iii) Attacked a human being without provocation.

(iv) Been used in the commission of a crime.

(2) The dog has either or both of the following:

(i) A history of attacking human beings and/or domestic animals without provocation.

(ii) A propensity to attack human beings and/or domestic animals without provocation. A propensity to attack may be proven by a single incident of the conduct described in paragraph (1)(i), (ii), (iii) or (iv).

(3) The defendant is the owner or keeper of the dog.

(a.1) Effect of conviction.--A finding by a district justice that a person is guilty under subsection (a) of harboring a dangerous dog shall constitute a determination that the dog is a dangerous dog for purposes of this act.

(b) Report of conviction.--The district justice shall make a report of a conviction under subsection (a) to the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement, identifying the convicted party, identifying and describing the dog or dogs and providing such other information as the bureau might reasonably require.

(c) Certificate required.--It is unlawful for an owner to have a dangerous dog without a certificate of registration issued under this article. This article shall not apply to dogs used by law enforcement officials for police work, certified guide dogs for the blind, hearing dogs for the deaf nor aid dogs for the handicapped.

(d) Disposition of dog during court proceedings.--An owner or keeper of any dog who has been charged with harboring a dangerous dog shall keep such dog or dogs confined in a proper enclosure or, when off the property of the owner or keeper for purposes of veterinary care, muzzled and on a leash until such time a report is made under subsection (b). If an appeal of a decision under subsection (b) is filed, such dog or dogs shall remain so confined until such proceedings are completed. It shall be unlawful for an owner or keeper of a dog who has been charged with harboring a dangerous dog to dispense the dog in any manner except to be humanely killed. A violation of this subsection shall constitute a summary offense accompanied by a fine of not less than $200.

CREDIT(S)

1982, Dec. 7, P.L. 784, No. 225, art. V-A, § 502-A, added 1990, May 31, P.L. 213, No. 46, § 2, effective in 60 days. Amended 1996, Dec. 11, P.L. 943, No. 151, § 13, effective in 60 days.

§ 459-503-A. Requirements

(a) Enclosure and insurance.--The department shall issue, upon payment of all fees under subsection (b), a certificate of registration to the owner of such animal within 30 days of notification, in writing, by the department that the dog has been determined to be dangerous and that the owner presents sufficient evidence of:

(1) A proper enclosure to confine a dangerous dog and the posting of a premises with a clearly visible warning sign that there is a dangerous dog on the property. In addition, the owner shall conspicuously display a sign with a warning symbol that informs children of the presence of a dangerous dog.

(2)(i) A surety bond in the amount of $50,000 issued by an insurer authorized to do business within this Commonwealth, payable to any person injured by the dangerous dog; or

(ii) a policy of liability insurance, such as homeowner's insurance, issued by an insurer authorized to do business within this Commonwealth in the amount of at least $50,000, insuring the owner for any personal injuries inflicted by the dangerous dog. The policy shall contain a provision requiring the secretary to be named as additional insured for the sole purpose of being notified by the insurance company of cancellation, termination or expiration of the liability insurance policy.

(b) Fee.--The registration fee for a dangerous dog certificate shall be $25 or such amount set by the department as may be necessary to cover the costs of issuing this registration and enforcing this section. This registration fee shall be in addition to any other fees collectable under this act and shall be credited to the Dog Law Restricted Account for the purpose of administering and enforcing this act.

(c) Uniform identifiable symbol.--The department shall have the authority to establish a uniform identifiable symbol for visual recognition of dangerous dogs. The "Ugh Dog" symbol developed by Animal-Vues may be adopted as the standard symbol to identify dangerous dogs.

(d) Other requirements.--The owner shall sign a statement attesting that:

(1) The owner shall maintain and not voluntarily cancel the liability insurance required by this section during the period for which licensing is sought unless the owner ceases to own the dangerous dog prior to expiration of the license.

(2) The owner shall notify the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement, the State dog warden and the local police department within 24 hours if a dangerous dog is on the loose, is unconfined, has attacked another animal, has attacked a human being, has died or has been sold or donated. If the dangerous dog has been sold or donated, the owner shall also provide the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement and the State dog warden with the name, address and telephone number of the new owner of the dangerous dog.

CREDIT(S)

1982, Dec. 7, P.L. 784, No. 225, art. V-A, § 503-A, added 1990, May 31, P.L. 213, No. 46, § 2, effective in 60 days.

§ 459-504-A. Control of dangerous dogs

It is unlawful for an owner of a dangerous dog to permit the dog to be outside the proper enclosure unless the dog is muzzled and restrained by a substantial chain or leash and under physical restraint of a responsible person. The muzzle shall be made in a manner that will not cause injury to the dog or interfere with its vision or respiration but shall prevent it from biting any person or animal or from destroying property with its teeth.

CREDIT(S)

1982, Dec. 7, P.L. 784, No. 225, art. V-A, § 504-A, added 1990, May 31, P.L. 213, No. 46, § 2, effective in 60 days.

(a) Failure to register and restrain.--A dangerous dog shall be immediately confiscated by a State dog warden or a police officer upon the occurrence of any of the following:

(1) The dog is not validly registered under this act.

(2) The owner does not secure and maintain the liability insurance coverage required under section 503-A. [FN1]

(3) The dog is not maintained in the proper enclosure.

(4) The dog is outside of the dwelling of the owner or outside of the proper enclosure and not under physical restraint of the responsible person.

In addition, an owner violating this subsection commits a misdemeanor of the third degree.

(b) Attacks by dangerous dog.--If a dangerous dog, through the intentional, reckless or negligent conduct of the dog's owner, attacks a person or a domestic animal, the dog's owner is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree. In addition, the dangerous dog shall be immediately confiscated, placed in quarantine for the proper length of time and thereafter humanely killed in an expeditious manner, with costs of quarantine and destruction to be borne by the dog's owner.

(c) Attacks causing severe injury or death.--The owner of any dog that, through the intentional, reckless or negligent conduct of the dog's owner, aggressively attacks and causes severe injury or death of any human shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree. In addition, the dog shall be immediately confiscated by a State dog warden or a police officer, placed in quarantine for the proper length of time and thereafter humanely killed in an expeditious manner, with costs of quarantine and destruction to be borne by the dog's owner.

(d) Dog owned by a minor.--If the owner of the dangerous dog is a minor, the parent or guardian of the minor shall be liable for injuries and property damages caused by an unprovoked attack by the dangerous dog under section 4 of the act of July 27, 1967 (P.L. 186, No. 58), [FN2] entitled "An act imposing liability upon parents for personal injury, or theft, destruction, or loss of property caused by the willful, tortious acts of children under eighteen years of age, setting forth limitations, and providing procedure for recovery."

(e) Mandatory reporting.--

(1) All known incidents of dog attacks shall be reported to the State dog warden, who shall investigate each incident and notify the department if a dog has been determined to be dangerous.

(2) A State dog warden or police officer who has knowledge of a dog which has attacked a person shall file a written report summarizing the circumstances of the attack with the police in the municipality where the owner of the dog resides or if the attack occurred outside the owner's municipality of residence, with the police having jurisdiction in the municipality where the attack occurred. The report shall be available for public inspection.

[FN1] 3 P.S. § 459-503-A.

[FN2] 11 P.S. § 2004 (repealed).

CREDIT(S)

1982, Dec. 7, P.L. 784, No. 225, art. V-A, § 505-A, added 1990, May 31, P.L. 213, No. 46, § 2, effective in 60 days. Amended 1996, Dec. 11, P.L. 943, No. 151, § 13, effective in 60 days.

§ 459-506-A. State registry

The department shall promulgate regulations for the establishment of a State registry for dangerous dogs.

CREDIT(S)

1982, Dec. 7, P.L. 784, No. 225, art. V-A, § 506-A, added 1990, May 31, P.L. 213, No. 46, § 2, effective in 60 days.

§ 459-507-A. Construction of article

(a) Enforcement.--This article shall be enforced by all municipalities except counties.

(b) Abusive or unlawful conduct of victim.--This article shall not apply if the threat, injury or damage was sustained by a person who, at the time, was committing a willful trespass or other tort upon the premises occupied by the owner of the dog, or was tormenting, abusing or assaulting the dog or has, in the past, been observed or reported to have tormented, abused or assaulted the dog, or was committing or attempting to commit a crime.

(c) Local ordinances.--Those provisions of local ordinances relating to dangerous dogs are hereby abrogated. A local ordinance otherwise dealing with dogs may not prohibit or otherwise limit a specific breed of dog.

(d) Insurance coverage discrimination.--No liability policy or surety bond issued pursuant to this act or any other act may prohibit coverage from any specific breed of dog.

(e) Farm dogs.--No farmer who owns a dog kept on the farm shall be guilty of keeping a dangerous dog if:

(1) the dog does not leave the farm property to attack; and

(2) the farm is conspicuously posted alerting visitors to the presence of a watch or guard dog at all points of ingress and egress.

(f) Procedure in certain cities.--In cities of the first class, second class and second class A, the following procedure shall apply:

(1) A person who has been attacked by a dog, or anyone on behalf of such person, or a person whose domestic animal has been killed or injured without provocation while the attacking dog was off the owner's property or a police officer or an animal control officer employed by or under contract with the city may make a complaint before a district justice, charging the owner or keeper of such a dog with harboring a dangerous dog. The district justice shall make a report of the determination under section 502-A(a) to the police or an animal control officer employed by or under contract with the city and to the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement. The Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement shall give notice of this determination to the respective city treasurer.

(2) All fees and fines shall be paid to and retained by the city treasurers, who shall issue the certificate of registration.

(3) Enforcement of this article in these cities will be under the jurisdiction of the local police or an animal control officer employed by or under contract with the city with notification requirements in section 503-A(d)(2) to be made to the licensing authority and the local police or an animal control officer employed by or under contract with the city.

(4) Copies of all dangerous dog determinations, certificates and reports on the status of the dangerous dog shall be sent to the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement.

(5) All known incidents of dog attacks shall be reported to the department for the purpose of keeping bite statistic records and possible rabies exposure.

CREDIT(S)

1982, Dec. 7, P.L. 784, No. 225, art. V-A, § 507-A, added 1990, May 31, P.L. 213, No. 46, § 2, effective in 60 days.

(a) Dogs to be personal property.--All dogs are hereby declared to be personal property and subjects of theft.

(b) Placement of poison illegal.--It shall be unlawful for a person to place any poison or harmful substance of any description in any place, on his own premises or elsewhere, where it may be easily found and eaten by dogs. Anyone convicted of violating this subsection commits a summary offense.

(b.1) Intentional poisoning of dogs illegal.--It shall be unlawful for any person to place any poison or harmful substance of any description in any place, on his own premises or elsewhere with the intent that the poison or substance be eaten by dogs. Anyone convicted of violating this subsection commits a misdemeanor of the second degree and shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than $1,000 nor more than $2,000 or to imprisonment for not more than two years, or both. A subsequent conviction under this subsection shall constitute a felony of the third degree.

(c) Abandonment of animals by owner.--

(1) It shall be unlawful for any person to abandon or attempt to abandon any dog within the Commonwealth. Anyone convicted of abandoning or attempting to abandon any dog within the Commonwealth shall pay a fine of not less than $300 and not more than $1,000, plus costs.

(2) Any animal placed in the custody of a licensed doctor of veterinary medicine for treatment, boarding or other care, or placed in the custody of a licensed boarding kennel for board or other care, which shall be abandoned by its owner or his representative for a period of more than ten days after written notice by personal service or registered mail, return receipt requested, is given to the owner or his representative at his last known address and return receipt is received by the doctor or the licensed boarding kennel, may be turned over to the custody of the nearest humane society or association for the prevention of cruelty to animals or dog pound in the area. After 48 hours of receipt, such custodian may humanely kill such animal or place it for adoption. During such 48-hour period, the animal may be released only to the owner or his representative. If the owner claims the animal, he shall be liable for room and board charges for the animal during the abandonment period.

(3) The giving of notice to the owner, or the representative of the owner, of such animal by the licensed doctor of veterinary medicine or licensed boarding kennel as provided in paragraph (2) and receipt of return receipt by the doctor or licensed boarding kennel, which shall be retained for 12 days, shall relieve the doctor of veterinary medicine, licensed boarding kennel and any custodian to whom such animal may be given of any further liability for disposal. It is further provided that such procedure by the licensed doctor of veterinary medicine or licensed boarding kennel shall not constitute grounds for disciplinary procedure under this act.

CREDIT(S)

1982, Dec. 7, P.L. 784, No. 225, art. VI, § 601, effective Jan. 1, 1983. Amended 1996, Dec. 11, P.L. 943, No. 151, § 14, effective in 60 days.

§ 459-602. Dogs used for law enforcement

(a) Illegal to taunt law enforcement dogs.--It shall be unlawful for any person to willfully and maliciously taunt, torment, tease, beat, kick or strike any dog, including any search and rescue or accelerant detection dogs, used by any municipal, county or State police or sheriff's department or agency,