Pennsylvania’s legislature is big, busy, and steeped in tradition. But amid all the quirks of Harrisburg, one tradition stands out for the better: caucuses that bring lawmakers together across party lines. Caucuses are essential in garnering bi-partisan support for important legislative measures. Those of us who care about animals are fortunate in that there is not a caucus more active—or more inspiring—than the Animal Protection Caucus.
What’s a caucus?
A caucus is simply a group of legislators who organize around a shared interest. The formal partisan caucuses (Republican and Democratic) handle day-to-day business. But issue caucuses—such as the Fire & EMS Caucus, the Veterans Affairs & Military Caucus, and the Early Childhood Education Caucus—exist to educate members, build bipartisan consensus, and move ideas forward.
The Animal Protection Caucus (APC)
The APC is a bicameral, bipartisan group that brings lawmakers together to learn about animal welfare and protection issues, hear from shelters and experts, and support humane policy.
Leadership
Leadership of the APC is shared by Democrats and Republicans in both chambers. For the 2025–2026 session, the caucus is co-chaired in the House by Rep. Melissa Shusterman and Rep. Kathleen Tomlinson, and in the Senate by Sen. Nick Pisciottano and Sen. Rosemary Brown. The caucus keeps members informed on active bills, connects them with community partners—from shelters to first responders—and encourages hands-on engagement such as site visits, adoption and spay/neuter initiatives, and Humane Lobby Day outreach, ensuring that policy is grounded in real-world needs.
Where legislation stands this session
Like all good policy work, progress takes persistence. Several humane proposals have been introduced and are building support. One, the “Beagle Bill” (SB 381)—to curb certain animal experimentation, sale, and testing—cleared the Senate unanimously in September 2025 and is now in the House Judiciary Committee. That momentum shows what’s possible when bipartisan leadership and public advocacy align.
Another priority—building on the movement last session, the effort to ban live pigeon shoots (HB 1097)—has been introduced and referred to House Judiciary, where advocates are pressing for action. Other proposals, (a full list linked on the Caucus Website) like Victoria’s Law to end the sale of puppy mill animals in pet stores and a ban on cat declawing, are also on the table, waiting for movement.
Why this caucus matters
The Animal Protection Caucus demonstrates bipartisan credibility by ensuring that humane issues resonate statewide and receive support across party lines. Even when bills require multiple sessions to gain traction, the caucus keeps animal protection on the legislative agenda so support can grow and proposals can be improved. Pennsylvania’s caucus shows that humane policy is not about left or right—it is about shared community values and accountability.
How you can help
Constituents can play an important role in strengthening the caucus. Check the list or ask your legislators if they are members, and if not, encourage them to join. Reach out to the co-chairs to thank them for maintaining a bipartisan focus on animal welfare. And most importantly, stay engaged and up to date on bills that need your support.
Pennsylvania can be proud to have such an active, bipartisan Animal Protection Caucus. With steady pressure and public support, the APC can continue translating humane values into law—one hard-won step at a time.
