Following House Action, Bipartisan Legislation Moves Forward Pending Senate Consideration
Harrisburg, PA – March 23, 2026 − State Senator Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny), co-chair of the bipartisan Animal Protection Caucus, joined fellow lawmakers, animal welfare advocates, veterinary professionals, and pet owners for a press conference in the Main Capitol Rotunda to call for reform in the pet cremation industry following the Pennsylvania House’s unanimous passage of House Bill 1750.
The legislation, along with Senate Bill 950, would establish standards, increase oversight, and ensure transparency in the pet cremation industry, providing critical protections for families during times of loss. This bill aims to address an urgent need to establish regulatory oversight for third-party providers in the pet cremation industry.
Both measures will move to the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee, where continued support and collaboration will be critical to advancing these commonsense reforms.
The House’s action reflects bipartisan recognition of the need for oversight and accountability in the industry. Advocates and lawmakers emphasized that strengthening consumer protections will help ensure families can trust that their pets are treated with dignity and respect.
The press conference brought together advocates including Humane Action Pennsylvania, Humane World for Animals, and Tiffany Mantzouridis, a whistleblower who has raised awareness about unethical practices in the industry. Representatives from the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA) and members of the Animal Protection Caucus also participated.
Lawmakers emphasized that the House’s action represents progress and underscored the importance of continued collaboration to ensure these protections become law.
What They’re Saying
Senator Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny):
“Losing a pet is heartbreaking, and families deserve honesty and compassion throughout the entire process. These commonsense reforms will help ensure that pet cremation services meet basic ethical standards and that bad actors are held accountable.”
Senator Bartolotta (R-Beaver, Washington, Greene):
“As a dog owner for many years, I understand the deep bond and unconditional love our animal companions give us. This legislation is about respect and peace of mind. We owe it to every pet owner to ensure their animals are cared for properly, even after they pass. Holding pet cremation services accountable is the least we can do for those pets who gave us so much.”
Senator Brown (R-Lackawanna, Monroe, Wayne):
“This legislation works to protect the welfare of animals, support pet owners, and maintain public trust. Pets are part of our families, and they deserve to be treated with dignity, both in life and after they pass. The mishandling of pet remains is unacceptable, and it is time we establish clear standards so families can have confidence in the services they rely on. I appreciate the strong bipartisan support for this effort and look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues, stakeholders, and Attorney General Sunday to move this important issue forward.”
Representative Markosek (D-Allegheny):
“I partnered with Senator Pisciottano on this important issue because pets deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, especially in death. I thank the advocates for their hard work in producing such a strong bipartisan vote in unanimously passing my bill today.”
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday:
“In Pennsylvania, crematorium owners have an obligation to ensure every family is treated with dignity, compassion, and respect during life’s most difficult moments. We are committed to acting on our authority to ensure that obligation is upheld across every aspect of care and service.”
Doctor Andrea Hongmann, President, Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association
“The human-animal bond is a very special connection, and the process of saying good-bye can be heartbreaking. This legislation aims to put into place reforms that would seem to be common sense, but for the future, will prevent unnecessary emotional trauma for pet owners. Representing the veterinary professionals across the Commonwealth, the PVMA stands with the legislators that are behind these bills, and we support the respectful and dignified treatment of pets through their entire lives, including the cremation process.”