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One of the nation’s largest anti-puppy mill protests is again coming to Lancaster County this month, and could coincide with some major changes in the way Pennsylvania regulates dog breeders.


The event, Awareness Day 2006, is to be held in Intercourse on Sept. 16; it may be slightly less star-studded than last year, when actress Linda Blair of “Exorcist” fame headlined the event. Again this year, actor Chris DeRose, founder of Last Chance for Animals animal protection agency, and Rikki Rockett of the 1980s heavy metal band Poison, will be on hand to “educate the public about the horrors of puppy mills in Pennsylvania.”


It’s a task that might be made easier when Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell rolls out some long-promised regulatory, administrative and legislative reforms.


Rendell, interviewed for an NBC-TV “Today” show segment on puppy mills broadcast Aug. 22 — the interview actually took place several months ago — again promised sweeping revisions to the way state oversees dog breeders. He said that could include the establishment of a “SWAT team” that could raid breeders who are violating the law.


Previously, Rendell had dismissed the 14-member Dog Law Advisory Board for its “inaction” in cracking down on problem kennels, Rendell spokeswoman Kate Phillips said in May.


Phillips did not return several phone calls and an e-mail last week on the issue. But sources say several of his reforms could be unveiled in the coming weeks, while others — including revised rules and regulations governing breeders — are said to be on hold, though no one knows why.


The delay in the long-promised reforms have some wondering whether the governor is ultimately more bark than bite on the issue.


Said Nina Schaefer, president of the Pennsylvania Federation of Dog Clubs and a former member of the state’s Dog Law Advisory Board who was dismissed by Rendell: “I think the whole thing will go away after the election.”


“The whole thing mystifies me,” said Schaefer, who said she had applied to be reinstated to the advisory board, but has heard nothing — though she said one Bureau of Dog Law employee told her that Rendell “probably does not want to have the Dog Law Advisory Board at all.”


But he has to — it’s the law.


Not only that, said Sue West, a former board president of the Humane League of Lancaster County and current chair of its legislative committee, state law is very specific as to who must be on the board — representatives from farm organizations, commercial kennels, pet store kennels and animal research facilities, among them.


“There are many representatives which most likely will be opposed to change, rather than embrace measures that will bring a better quality of life to dogs held long-term in a breeding facility,” said West.


West said she believed Rendell was to have finalized a list of new board members by the end of August, though she doesn’t know if that’s happened.


As for the proposed new regulations, “I also heard that they were on hold,” said West. Once the proposal is finalized, it must be approved by the legislature before it can become law.


Earlier this year, the Department of Agriculture issued draft changes that would require dogs to be provided with housing with a roof and four sides with “adequate protection from the cold and heat” and dry, clean bedding. But the proposals met with criticism from animal welfare activists, who want the state to require larger cage sizes.


Other changes rumored to be in the works, include appointment of a dog “czar” to oversee tougher enforcement efforts, as well as Rendell’s “SWAT team” — which could be comprised of law enforcement officers, special prosecutors, or a combination of both.


Lancaster County is the epicenter of Pennsylvania’s dog breeding industry, and is regarded as the “puppy mill capital” of the eastern United States by animal-rights advocates.


There are 275 state-licensed kennels here, the largest number of kennels in any county, and the industry is dominated by Plain farmers. Revenue from dog breeding has helped keep agriculture viable for many Plain families.


Puppy mills have long been an issue for animal activists, but many groups have stepped up the pressure over the past year, buying billboard space on the Pennsylvania Turnpike and attempting to dissuade tourists from visiting Lancaster County.


The pressure, exemplified by Awareness Day, is thought to be a major reason Rendell has begun to take action.


Awareness Day 2006, sponsored by Adopt A Pet and Last Chance for Animals, will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Intercourse Community Park, 3529 Old Philadelphia Pike, and feature more than two dozen animal rescue groups, along with a pet chaplain to bless animals. A walking tour of Intercourse will begin at noon.


Sept. 15, a candlelight vigil will be held at 7:30 p.m. at Rockvale Square Outlets to pray for “dogs who have suffered and died at the cruel hands of the millers [and for] those that are suffering now,” according to a press release announcing the event.





Contact Gil Smart at gsmart@lnpnews.com.