HARRISBURG — More than 300 dog kennels already have told state officials they will close this year, and that number is expected to grow.

Department of Agriculture spokesman Chris Ryder said some kennel owners have told state officials they don't want to upgrade their kennels to meet new regulations.

Gov. Ed Rendell signed new regulations late last year to improve the care and treatment of dogs at the state's kennels. Rules for noncommercial kennels went into effect in December, but new regulations for commercial kennels won't begin until October.

Pennsylvania Professional Dog Breeders Association executive director Ken Brandt said it is too early to tell how many kennels will decide to close because of the new rules.

There were 256 kennel closures in all of last year.

By The Associated Press