[naviga:h3]Animal cruelty law toughens penalties[/naviga:h3]

HARRISBURG — Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf has signed legislation strengthening laws against animal cruelty and neglect in Pennsylvania, and so has Libre, the Boston terrier puppy found emaciated and diseased last year at a Lancaster County animal breeding operation.

Wolf signed the bill in front of a crowd Wednesday on the state Capitol lawn before helping dip Libre’s paw in ink and stamping it on the bill.

Kristen Tullo of the Humane Society of the United States calls it the most comprehensive animal protection package in state history.

It would establish violations up to a felony for intentionally torturing an animal or for neglect or abuse that causes it severe injury or death. Animal abuse is currently a felony in limited situations.

It takes effect in two months.

[naviga:h3]Man to be buried in motorcycle sidecar[/naviga:h3]

STEEL CITY, Pa. — A man who loved motorcycles in life is taking one last ride.

Family members say Arthur Werner Sr., 89, of Steel City, made plans way ahead of his death from cancer Sunday to be buried in the sidecar of his 1990 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail.

Werner will be in the sidecar for today’s viewing and will be buried in it Friday.

He bought the Harley with his retirement bonus after working 42 years as a Bethlehem Steel welder.

His daughter-in-law Cindy Werner says “he lived for that bike.”