SB746 makes changes to the Dog Law, notably to dog and kennel licensing, advertising the sale of dogs, strengthen penalties for Dog Law violations, and improve customer service, public safety, and animal welfare. Specifically, the bill creates a statewide dog licensing platform, increases annual and lifetime dog license fees, increases kennel fees, adds additional penalties and fines and increases violation fees.
The Pennsylvania State Senate passed SB746 on June 20, 2023 by a vote of 43 to 7. We have assigned pluses to the nays because the law significantly expands government intervention, where Big Brother is watching. The creation of a statewide dog licensing platform, along with increased license fees for both individual dog owners and kennels, demonstrates a broader reach of government oversight. Moreover, the additional penalties, fines, and violation fees strengthens the government’s role. This expansion raises concerns about individual freedoms, placing an undue burden on responsible dog owners and kennels, and infringing on their constitutional rights.