Latest news with #KathleenTomlinson
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Yahoo
Pennsylvania lawmakers push for public registry to track animal abuse offenders
PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — A new bill would work to better protect animals from harm, specifically, from those convicted of animal abuse. In a memo, Representatives Scott Conklin, Kathleen Tomlinson and Melissa Shusterman are pointing to other states when it comes to practices that work to protect those who cannot speak for themselves. They note that over a decade ago, Tennessee became the first state to adopt a resolution creating a statewide registry for animal abusers. They also note that since then, other states and local governments have introduced similar measures to better protect pets. 'Unfortunately, Pennsylvania is not one of these states, allowing individuals convicted of animal cruelty to go undetected. With no way for the community to quickly check for a past history of abuse, offenders are given the opportunity to continue these heinous acts as they are able to purchase or adopt animals,' The representatives wrote. Here are several cases that WTAJ has covered from Central Pennsylvania: Dogs, cat, bird rescued from abuse situation in Somerset County Bedford dog hoarding case set for trial Two charged after 'indescribable' animal abuse scene at Altoona house fire Four dogs found dead, 19 other animals surrendered in Cambria County According to a 2024 report, since Libre's Law took effect in Pennsylvania in 2017, there have been over 52,000 animal abuse offenses filed. From those numbers, nearly 61% had been for the neglect of animals, 29% were for cruelty to animals and 10% were for aggravated cruelty to animals. The proposed legislation would require people who are convicted of animal abuse to register their personal information and the offense for a 15-year period. They'd also have to annually renew their registration and every county sheriff would be tasked with maintaining a local registry that would be forwarded to state police. That registry would then be publicly accessible. 'As elected officials, it is our duty to protect every Pennsylvanian, including our animal friends and family members who cannot speak for themselves,' according to the memo. The representatives noted that they feel the registry would help to prevent abusers from continuing to inflict harm. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Mac's Law: New bill would prohibit insurance discrimination against dog breeds
PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — A proposed law, named after a dog, will soon be introduced in the Pennsylvania House and will work to prevent discrimination against different breeds. Mac's Law would prevent homeowners from being discriminated against solely based on the breed of dog they own. In a memo, Representative Kathleen Tomlinson shared that a constituent in her area spoke up on issues that they had with getting homeowners insurance due to the fact that they owned a pitbull. ''Mac' the pit bull never had a history of being aggressive, and to be perfectly clear, he wouldn't hurt a fly. He was judged by an insurer purely because of his breed,' Tomlinson wrote. Pennsylvania parking ticket fines could change under new bill The proposed legislation would prohibit this type of discrimination. The stereotype against pitbulls isn't something that's new as it's estimated that nearly 800 cities and towns have Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL). Things like breed discriminatory legislation are the result of misinformation, stereotypes and irresponsible ownership that can reinforce it. BSL most often impacts Pitbulls, Staffordshire Terriers, English Bull Terriers, but it's been known in other areas to include Rottweilers, Mastiffs, Dalmatians, Chow Chows, German Shepherds and Doberman Pinschers. It can also affect mutts or other dogs that resemble them. The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that there are 4.7 million dog bites each year and 800,000 will require medical attention. It's also worth noting that critics argue that 100% of locations that have BSL will continue to see reports of bites as 'safety is not a breed-specific issue.' Tomlinson goes on to argue in her memo that while prohibiting discrimination, her legislation would also take into account if a dog has an aggressive history. You can read the full memo here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
