GOVERNOR RENDELL NAMES NEW DIRECTOR OF DOG LAW ENFORCEMENT BUREAU

News Date January 07, 2008

       Governor Edward G. Rendell has named Susan West of Lancaster County, a tireless advocate of humane conditions for animals, to be the new director of the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement within the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
       West, a member of the Dog Law Advisory Board since 2006 and former president of the Humane League of Lancaster County, will assume her new duties on Jan. 22.  West will oversee the daily operations of the bureau, including 59 state dog wardens.
       "Sue West brings to this role a broad understanding of the issues facing dogs and the important role the state has in monitoring the care and handling of dogs," said Governor Rendell. "She also has a great deal of experience with Lancaster County, home to 11 percent of the state's kennels."
       On Oct. 17, 2006, Rendell announced sweeping changes to the state's dog law and regulations.  Since then, several key components of the governor's plan have been successfully implemented, including the hiring of a special deputy secretary, special prosecutor and kennel compliance team. 
       "We've reformed our dog law enforcement team, adding significant resources and talent, in an effort to help improve the lives of dogs in Pennsylvania," said Rendell.
       West has volunteered much of her time to the Humane League of Lancaster County and other areas of animal welfare. She served various roles with the Humane League since 1996, including board president, and chair of the legislative committee, taking the nonprofit group through its first strategic planning process and organizational analysis. 
       West was a member of a kennel task force for the Lancaster County Commissioners in 2005 to 2006.
       She was previously employed by Westfield Insurance Company, formerly Old Guard Insurance Company, of Lancaster.
       The Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement enforces licensing and control of dogs, inspects kennels, investigates dog bites and enforces the Pennsylvania Rabies Law.
       For more information on Pennsylvania's dog law, and to access online kennel inspection records, visit http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/padoglaw.  (Contact:  Chris L. Ryder, 717/787-5085)