Congressmen Meehan and Gerlach Set Out to Crack Down on Puppy Mills

Congressmen Patrick Meehan (PA-07) and Jim Gerlach (PA-06) set out today to promote what they say is important legislation designed to clamp down on puppy mills and protect pet owners.

The two Republicans outlined their new bill Thursday at the country's oldest no-kill animal shelter, the Francisvale Shelter for Smaller Animals in Radnor.

Started in 1909, the Francisvale Shelter for Small Animals is a non-profit no-kill shelter with a mission to accept adoptable cats and dogs and provide loving care while looking for permanent homes.

Both Meehan and Gerlach interacted with the shelter's board of directors, staff and volunteers while talking about their love for dogs.

The PUPS (Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety) Act is aimed at stopping the inhumane treatment of dogs at large breeding kennels.

Meehan and Gerlach have been working together on the bill to close a loophole in the Federal Animal Welfare Act used by puppy mill operators to evade reasonable regulations and standards by selling dogs on the Internet. Pennsylvania is one of the leading puppy mill states in the country, the representatives said.

The proposed PUPS Act would make accountable people motivated by profit rather than humane treatment of dogs. The bill will not affect small breeders and hobby breeders who sell fewer than 50 dogs per year directly to the public, but is crafted to cover only large commercial breeding facilities.

The Congressmen say they have 110 co-sponsors in the house and they are also working with several organizations, like the Humane Society of the United States, to get the legislation passed.

For more information about the country's oldest no-kill animal shelter visit:

Francisvale Homes for Smaller Animals

328 Upper Gulph Road

Radnor, PA 19087

610-688-1018