On Pennsylvania SPCA's honor roll: Rendell, and a Phillies legend and his wife

Former Gov. Ed Rendell  and Phillies legend Larry Bowa and his wife, Patty, will be honored at a Pennsylvania SPCA gala next month for their efforts to help animals.

The nonprofit, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary, will recognize Rendell, the Bowas, and the law firm of Pepper Hamilton LLP at its "Bark and Whine" fund-raising event Nov. 4 at URBN at the Navy Yard.

The PSPCA said Rendell, a well-known dog lover, is being honored for his animal-welfare achievements while serving as Pennsylvania governor from 2003 to 2011.

In 2008, he signed legislation that increased the standard of care for dogs in kennels. The law required large-scale commercial breeders to upgrade their facilities, such as roughly doubling the size of kennels, providing unfettered access to an exercise area, improving ventilation, and using solid instead of wire flooring. The law also required the breeders to maintain records showing that animals were seen by a veterinarian at least every six months.

Rendell also added positions to the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement in the Department of Agriculture and reconstituted the Dog Law Advisory Board. He has a 7-year-old golden retriever, Royal, who was rescued from a puppy mill.

Larry and Patty Bowa are being honored for their support of animal welfare and the PSPCA, the nonprofit said. Patty Bowa frequently visits the PSPCA to donate supplies for dogs such as blankets, toys, and treats.

Pepper Hamilton is being honored for providing pro bono legal work to the PSPCA. The law firm sues abusive animal owners and petitions the courts to grant custody of mistreated animals to the PSPCA.

The Pennsylvania SPCA was founded in 1867 and its headquarters are at 350 E. Erie Ave. in North Philadelphia.