Letter to the editor: Critical funding needed to keep canines, communities safe

As an animal welfare advocate, dog mom and native Pittsburgher, for me, it is paramount that we always support the health and well-being of dogs in our communities. The primary institution responsible for this protection, the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement, relies primarily on fees from dog licenses to conduct its operations. The annual license fee is $6.50 and has not increased in 25 years.

The Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement is severely under-resourced, with a current deficit of approximately $1.4 million. The bureau is understaffed, leaving multiple counties without a dog warden. When a county is without a dog warden, complaints and violations go unchecked. Puppy mills and other kennels operate without following safety or policy guidelines.

The bureau’s only lifeline to continue keeping communities and canine friends safe is the immediate passage of House Bill 526 and Senate Bill 232. The proposed increase would raise yearly dog license fees from $6.50 to $10. For less than the cost of your Netflix subscription, HB 526 and SB 232 would provide critical funding so that shelters, dog owners and residents can continue to benefit from vital services.

I urge Pennsylvania legislators to pass these bills for the sake of our four-legged friends. I hope you’ll join me in advocating for this principal legislation to your representatives.

Katlyn Weiser

Etna

The writer is a development database coordinator for Animal Friends.