House sends animal-cruelty legislation to Rendell

The Pennsylvania House gave final approval, 179-10, yesterday to animal-cruelty legislation that would make it illegal for anyone other than a veterinarian to perform certain surgical procedures on dogs.

House Bill 39 would prohibit owners and breeders from performing debarking (cutting or destroying a dog's vocal cords) and cesarean sections on dogs. It also specifies that only veterinarians shall perform ear cropping and tail docking on a dog more than five days old.

The bill, first introduced last session, was reintroduced in January by sponsor Rep. Thomas Caltagirone (D., Berks), who said he wanted to halt the practice of untrained people performing these complicated procedures. A spokesman said Gov. Rendell would sign the legislation. - Amy Worden