LEGISLATION

As a non-partisan, non-profit organization, the HSBC doesn't support a specific candidate or political party over any other. We believe in supporting legislation to protect people and animals in Berks County, Pennsylvania, and across the nation. This page is updated frequently with news items on new legislation, committee hearings, or other information we all need to know to be informed and active voters. Have something you think we ought to post or have questions? Email Dylan Heckart, HSBC Director of Development & Public Relations, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Providing care for victims of animal cruelty

Update: HB 82 passed the House and is currently being reviewed by the Senate!

Pennsylvania House Bill 82 would provide a legal means to fund the care of animals that are held as evidence in animal cruelty cases and to provide for their release from long term confinement in shelters.

The financial burdens of caring for animals held as evidence in a cruelty prosecution can be devestating to organization’s like ours.  Even more devastating can be the impact on the health and welfare of the animals, which are often caged for months or years awaiting the outcome of prosecutions and appeals.  These bills would allow Pennsylvania to join 25 other states and give clear guidelines for providing for the financial cost of caring for the victims of animal cruelty during prosecution, as well as a means to obtain swift forfeiture of animals.  You can read a copy of the bill text below and you can download a fact sheet.  In order to get these bills brought to a vote and signed into law, we need to make our voices heard in Harrisburg.  Please use the following links:

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