Siptroth bill focus of committee hearing

HARRISBURG — The House Judiciary recently hosted a public hearing on legislation (H.B. 2547) authored by state Rep. John Siptroth, D-Monroe/Pike. House Bill 2547 would prevent Humane Society police officers from being sued for damages as a result of investigating and enforcing the state’s animal protection laws - a civil immunity already extended to firefighters, EMTs and other first responders in Pennsylvania. Testifying in favor of the legislation at the hearing were: Adriane Pace, legal counsel to the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals; Barrie Pease, president of the Animal Rescue League of Berks County; Sarah Speed, state director of the Humane Society of America; and Amy Kaunas, director of the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area. Siptroth said Pennsylvania received a reputation as a breeding ground for puppy mills and animal cruelty. “Due to the new provisions, Humane Society police officers will have even more responsibilities and investigation tools, thus creating greater workloads,” Siptroth said. Siptroth said he hopes the committee moves swiftly on the bill and plans to make it one of his first priorities in January if the legislature does not act on it in this year.