Evolved Rescue by nature requires us to look into the needs of our local community first and then offer services elsewhere.  This area is abundant with advocacy groups working parallel to one another watching out for the welfare of animals.  Our goal is to synergize their efforts by collaborating services whenever possible.

Recent massive grass-roots efforts have led to nation-wide scrutiny of Pennsylvania because of the puppy-mill industry.  The state government is working to provide protection to animals through lawmaking.  Many of the kennel law initiatives are cause for concern for the very rescues that reported the atrocities to begin with.  Why?

Because many rescues are grassroots in nature they form under loose management with little or no outside review. Rescues advocate for the animals in their care often saving them from near death situations, illness, neglect, and abuse.  Most rescues work on shoestring budgets with the assistance of volunteers and donations to survive.  The goal is to save one animal at a time.

The state wants groups running rescues that move more then 26 dogs a year into Pennsylvania to obtain a kennel license.  They want to regulate people who care for animals, in all areas.  This includes breeders, daycares, kennels, shelters, rescues and foster homes.  Because the law is “in flux” right now many questions about legality of rescue operation have come up within the industry.  We support animal rescue groups and want to help them succeed in saving lives within the limits of the law. 

Animal Lifeline is pleased to invite State Dog Warden Verna North and Dog Law Officer Craig Claycomb to a question and answer seminar, tentatively scheduled for March of 2008 in Doylestown PA.  Official date will be publicized on our site ASAP.  Interested parties should contact Denise Bash for details.  Warden North and Officer Claycomb will gladly answer questions about license categories, transport licenses, the roles of humane officers versus wardens, nuances of local ordinances, foster home regulation as pertaining to your rescue, and so much more.

Animal Lifeline does recommend that rescues  apply for a kennel license with the state.  We will have state kennel applications available for interested parties. Licensure allows the warden to check on the animals’ welfare, and allows the rescue to market itself legitimately. Working along side municipal animal advocacy professionals is the future of rescue, opening the lines of communication is the first step.  Hope to see you there!

For further information about impending
dog law changes in Pennsylvania please visit:

http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/agriculture/cwp/view.asp?a=3&q=126843

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http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-a1_5dog.6229841jan21,0,2789163.story