This dog 'signed' the new law his abuse inspired

HARRISBURG - A couple dozen dogs joined more than 100 people on the Capitol lawn Wednesday to celebrate as Gov. Tom Wolf signed a comprehensive animal protection bill into law. 

One of the pups even gave his paw print of approval to the legislation. 

Included in the package was Libre's Law, legislation dedicated to a Lancaster puppy who was severely neglected, leaving him emaciated with rotted skin.

Wolf said the bill was wonderful for Libre and for animals across Pennsylvania. When meeting Libre last week, Wolf said he was "very friendly and really full of life."

Sen. Richard Alloway, R-Chambersburg, introduced the bill for Libre's Law in July 2016, soon after the now-16-month-old Boston terrier was rescued from the brink of death from a Lancaster County puppy mill. Alloway remained passionate about the legislation and worked with his colleagues to get the package of bills passed.

READ:From the 'brink of death,' Libre the dog now inspires others

READ:Parents of fatally shaken baby hope Gov. Wolf's signature will bring justice for others

Alloway, whose district includes Franklin County, saw another horrific animal abuse case last year, where three German shepherds died after being left in a feces-covered basement with no food or water. A fourth survived. 

"Look, it's important for the animals. It's important that we give them the protections that they deserve," Alloway said Wednesday at the ceremony. "Obviously we've had some high-profile cases in Franklin County of just absolute woeful starvation and neglect that just shouldn't be tolerated."

Several other cases around the state inspired other parts of the bill. One of those is Cordelia's Law, prompted by a situation in which a horse in Lancaster was beaten after collapsing from the heat. Sen. John Eichelberger, R-Hollidaysburg, was a passionate advocate for passing that part of the legislation.  

Rep. Todd Stephens, R-North Wales, spoke about civil forfeiture of animals, which requires people convicted of felony-level animal abuse to forfeit their animals to shelters, instead of those animals being returned to their abusers.

Keeping with the celebratory mood, Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, said "today is a new day for animals of all kinds in Pennsylvania."

READ:Sen. Alloway proposes charitable trust to steer kids away from prison

During the event, Libre sat with his owner at the table where the bill would be signed, and at one point laid down under it, with his face peeking our from behind a blue tablecloth. 

When the time came for the governor to sign the bill into law, Libre was up and next to Gov. Wolf, ready to "sign," too. 

In what may be a first in bill signings, once Wolf put down his pen, Libre dipped his paw in some ink, and placed a black paw print in the official record.

"People need to understand, if they're unable to take care of their animals, or they don't want to, they should give them up to a loving family that will," Alloway said. "We did it in the legislature, but this is really about the animals and what we can do for them. We owe this to them."

Alloway, Stephens and Bizzarro applauded the bipartisan nature of the bill, with Stephens saying the two sides working together is supposed to be how politics work.

With the bill having several components, Alloway said it was important for them to get as much done as possible in one fell swoop.

"That makes for a heavier lift, it can make it more challenging to get it through, more moving parts," Alloway said. "But in the end, it's a better product, and a more comprehensive product."

The legislators and the representatives from animal rights groups thanked the public for actively participating in the fight by contacting their local officials.

"Theyre they ones who made it happen," Alloway said.