I would like to know why dogs owned by members of the Plain community are seemingly not protected against cruelty and/or neglect.
I have been wondering this for many years since moving here in 2007. No one has an answer. I think I may finally have one, but it’s questionable. Some members of the Plain community seemingly consider dogs to be livestock and, as such, they believe that dog laws do not apply.
Dogs are not livestock.
Merriam-Webster’s definition of a dog is: “A carnivorous mammal (Canis familiaris) closely related to the gray wolf that has long been domesticated as a pet, occurs in a variety of sizes, colors, and coat types, and is sometimes trained to perform special tasks (such as herding, guarding, or acting as a service animal).”
They are dogs, not livestock. So, the dog laws of Pennsylvania should apply to everyone who owns dogs, with no exceptions.
I am sick and tired of seeing dogs in kennels far away from the house; dogs left out in the elements; caged dogs who never feel the ground under their feet; and dogs with no toys or treats. Some dogs are kept in rabbit hutches or inside barns, so people can’t see them. It’s sickening.
When will this state wake up? When?
No more excuses. Dogs need help; they can’t help themselves.
Martha Brown
East Lampeter Township
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