Legislation designed to curb animal cruelty is on its way to Gov. Tom Wolf for enactment, ending what was a near yearlong effort inspired by an abused and neglected Boston Terrier named Libre to strengthen the protections for animals in Pennsylvania.

The Senate on Tuesday voted 49-0 to pass "Libre's Law" that updates existing statutes and increases the penalties for abusing an animal. The House approved the bill in April by a vote of 167-20.

The now healthy 27-pound "bug-eyed miracle" dog, accompanied by his owner Janine Guido of Monroe Township and a troop of Humane Society advocates, was on hand to witness the Senate passage of his namesake bill that Gov. Tom Wolf has pledged to sign into law.

Libre, the Boston terrier that captured worldwide attention following his rescue from a Lancaster County farm where he was neglected, is now a healthy 27-pound dog who likes his treats, his owner Janine Guido of Monroe Township said.

Libre was saved last July from an Amish dog-breeding facility in Lancaster County after being left for dead. At the time, the 4-month-old bug-eyed pup was suffering from a host of ailments including sepsis and mange. His rescue drew international media attention and the puppy's recovery was chronicled on social media, drawing a worldwide following.

He also had come to develop a few fans at the Capitol as well including Rep. Todd Stephens, R-Montgomery County, and Sen. Rich Alloway, R-Franklin County, who memorialized Tuesday's visit on Twitter.

Getting ready for the vote on HB 1238! #Libre is here to help lobby! @RepToddStephens @SenatorAlloway pic.twitter.com/w6f43QweTf

-- Humane PA (@HumanePA)

Wolf issued a statement on Tuesday morning indicating that Pennsylvania is one of only three states that does not have a felony statute for severe animal abuse. He said, "We are long overdue to join the rest of the country in having higher standards of care for our pets and other animals."

The legislation, which brings the most significant changes to the state's animal abuse laws in three decades, would break down cruelty to animal offenses now grouped into one category into three categories based on the offense's egregiousness: neglect, cruelty, and aggravated cruelty.

* Neglect of an animal would include denying an animal necessary food and potable water, clean and sanitary shelter, or necessary veterinary care. This would be a summary offense but would become a misdemeanor of the third degree if the violation causes bodily injury to the animal or puts it at imminent risk of serious bodily injury.



* Cruelty to an animal would include intentionally, knowingly or recklessly ill-treating, overloading, beating, abandoning or abusing an animal. This would be a misdemeanor of the second degree.



* Aggravated cruelty to an animal would include intentionally or knowingly torturing an animal or causing serious bodily injury or death of the animal. This would be a felony of the third degree.

In addition, the measure places limits on tethering a dog outside and grants civil immunity for veterinarians and humane society police officers to prevent frivolous lawsuits against them when reporting an animal cruelty case.

Alloway thanked his fellow senators for supporting the measure, saying, "this is a great step to protect our pets in Pennsylvania."

Sen. Daylin Leach, D-Montgomery County, noted that this measure is more than just an important step to curb animal cruelty.

"It is for ourselves that treating animals well is important," he said. "People often who are involved in violence against human beings started out being cruel to animals. It is a red flag. It is important for us to recognize that and recognize that when we treat animals with respect we make ourselves better human beings in the process. So this is a great bill."