There’s been some dog drama in Harrisburg over the last several years, but the city is taking steps to help remedy it. Last year, City Council enacted an anti-tethering ordinance, one of the strictest in the country, which limits the amount of time and the manner in which a dog may be tethered. Now, Mayor Eric Papenfuse has created an Animal Advisory Board.
Last month, we caught up with animal advocate Brett Miller, who is serving as chair of the board. We wanted to know why this board was needed and what it hopes to accomplish.
TheBurg: What is your background relating to animal causes?
Brett Miller: I’ve been advocating for animals for many years and have been a volunteer fundraiser at the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area, a citizen lobbyist for the Humane Society of the United States, Central Pennsylvania Coordinator for Humane PA (the political action committee for animals in Pennsylvania) and worked briefly for the (state) Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement when the new Dog Law was passed. That experience really opened my eyes to not only what goes on in puppy mills, but, even when a new law gets passed, it all comes down to enforcement. I’m happy to see now, under the direction of Kristen Donmoyer, that the Dog Law Enforcement Office is doing a much better job of enforcing the law.
TheBurg: What are the basic goals of the new task force?
Brett Miller: Our mission is to advocate for animal welfare, educate the community and serve as advisors to city government on effective humane practices. Some of our goals are to increase awareness about the importance of dog licensing to help reduce the number of strays ending up at the Humane Society or elsewhere, making sure pets are up to date on rabies vaccines and spaying/neutering of pets, as well as ensuring enforcement of the city’s animal control ordinances, including the anti-tethering ordinance that was passed last year. All dogs three months of age and older must be licensed, and residents can obtain a dog license by filling out an application. Also, spay/neuter vouchers are available to city residents through the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area, and low-cost vaccine clinics are also available through HSHA and the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance.
TheBurg: What are the most common problems relating to animals in Harrisburg?
Brett Miller: Stray dogs, stray cats, backyard breeding, dog fighting, tethering.
TheBurg: What are some things that average citizens can do to help?
Brett Miller: Making sure their pets are spayed/neutered, staying up-to-date on vaccines and being current on their dog licenses.
