HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Pennsylvania's dog law got more teeth Thursday.

Gov. Ed Rendell and state lawmakers were joined by some dogs outside the state Capitol Thursday morning for the bill signing. The new law goes beyond last October's measure that cracked down on puppy mills.

The state has now stopped five kinds of surgeries on dogs unless performed by veterinarians, Lancaster station WGAL reported.

"House Bill 39, which clearly defines the painful and inhumane procedures on dogs that constitute animal cruelty and takes the next important step for Pennsylvania in protecting dog," said Rendell. "Until now, these cruel practices could be carried out by dog owners without proper training and without supervision by a licensed vet, which could lead to long-term injury, pain and, in some cases, death to these defenseless animals."

Rendell brought his dog, Maggie, to the bill signing.

The golden retriever is a former breeder dog that Rendell adopted.

Banned Surgeries

1. Cropping, trimming, or cutting off an ear

2. Debarking by cutting or injuring the vocal cords

3. Docking or cutting off the tail of a dog over five days of age

4. Surgically birthing a dog

5. Removing the dewclaws from a dog over five days of age

The dog’s owner must keep a record of the surgery, including the vet who performed it, as well as the location and date where the surgery was performed. The law further protects dogs by making it a 3rd degree felony to steal an animal for the purpose of dog fighting.

You can read the complete law here.