HARRISBURG – Gov. Josh Shapiro has signed a dog law modernization bill into law. Senate Bill 746, now Act 18 of 2023, modernizes various aspects covered under the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement to improve its overall functionality and efficiency. Specifically, it establishes an online licensing website for counties that do not currently offer one; creates a statewide licensing database; increases licensing and kennel fees; creates clarifying “dangerous dog” determinations; and requires kennels to notify the Department of Agriculture of updates to their type or classification, The new law also updates rescue network kennel licensing and related documentation of foreign dogs; revokes kennel licenses when the kennel is charged with animal cruelty; requires transparency of both the source of a dog and the identifying seller’s license information in advertisements; ensures proof of licensure is provided when requested by the appropriate authorities; and increases criminal penalties for law violators.
