3 Pa. Stat. § 459-402

Current through Pa Acts 2024-53, 2024-56 through 2024-92
Section 459-402 - Notice requiring examination of dog
(a) Authority.-- A State dog warden may issue a written notice requiring that a dog be examined by a licensed doctor of veterinary medicine within a maximum of 72 hours if:
(1) the State dog warden personally observes the condition of the dog in the course of an inspection of a kennel or other facility at which a dog is kept; and
(2) the dog exhibits signs of illness, injury or neglect.
(b) Contents of notice.-- The written notice requiring that a dog be examined by a veterinarian within 72 hours shall set forth:
(1) information sufficient to identify the person or persons to whom the notice is directed;
(2) information sufficient to identify the dog which must be examined;
(3) the specific signs of illness or injury exhibited by the dog and observed by the State dog warden;
(4) the date and time by which a veterinary examination of the dog must be conducted;
(5) the manner and time in which a report of the results of the veterinary examination shall be delivered to the State dog warden;
(6) a requirement that the report of the results of the veterinary examination address the specific signs of illness or injury observed by the State dog warden; and
(7) a reference to the authority pursuant to which the written notice is issued.
(c) Issuance and service of notice.-- The written notice requiring that a dog be examined by a veterinarian within 72 hours shall be issued upon the kennel licensee or the owner of the facility at which the dog is kept. Service of the notice may be accomplished by the State dog warden's leaving a copy of the notice with an employee or other responsible person at the kennel or facility.
(d) Illegal to fail to respond to notice.-- It shall be unlawful for a kennel licensee or the owner of a facility at which the dogs are kept to fail to comply with a written notice issued under authority of this section.

3 P.S. § 459-402

1982, Dec. 7, P.L. 784, No. 225, § 402, added 1996, Dec. 11, P.L. 943, No. 151, § 10, effective in 60 days.