HARRISBURG -- It's been almost two years since a law giving added protection to dogs in kennels was enacted, but procedures to enforce the state law are almost ready to go.

The Independent Regulatory Review Commission has approved final regulations dealing with proper ventilation, humidity, lighting and flooring for commercial kennels, which breed and sell dogs to dealers and pet stores.

The regulations are part of a dog protection law approved in October 2008 and signed by Gov. Ed Rendell, who has two dogs of his own.

After the attorney general checks the final form and legality of the new rules, they will be published in October and take effect next July.

"Approval of these regulations now means there is no doubt about what breeders who own commercial kennels need to do to comply with the law," said state Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. He said the law "raises the standard of care for dogs in commercial kennels."

The rules require that kennels are properly ventilated, that excessive humidity levels are reduced, and that temperatures be continuously monitored 24 hours a day. All commercial kennel owners also must consult with a professional engineer to design and certify that the ventilation system complies with the law. Dogs must be monitored for heat-related stress and veterinarians must be consulted if temperatures become excessive.

For more information about the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement, go to www.agriculture.state.pa.us, click on Bureaus, Commissions and Councils and select Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement. Complaints about illegal kennels can be reported at 1-877-dog-tip1.

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