Pennsylvania might be on its way to shedding its reputation as “Puppy Mill Capital of the East” with the passage of Dog Law reforms Wednesday in the House of Representatives, according to Gov. Edward Rendell.

The 181-to-17 vote in favor of House Bills 2525 and 2532 will protect kennel dogs and the families that adopt them, Rendell said, by improving the minimum standards in the worst of the state’s commercial dog breeding kennels. The legislation was sent to the state Senate.

The reforms would mandate larger cages, annual veterinary checkups, as well as an outdoor exercise area.

“There are reputable breeders in Pennsylvania, and the Department of Agriculture has worked with them and other segments of the kennel community to make sure this legislation does not impede their ability to breed and raise high-quality show dogs, sporting dogs, and companion dogs,” Rendell said in a statement.

Rep. Bob Bastian, a veterinarian and leading opponent of the bill, called it “a triumph of extreme policy making over sensible regulation,” according to Associated Press reports.