Despite some setbacks across the map, the animal-welfare movement is seeing forward progress and some key wins. Pennsylvania joined the list of positive results this week, with the passage of its “Cost of Care” bill in the state legislature. And reports indicate Governor Corbett will sign it into law.

The legislation means those accused of animal cruelty will be required to pay a set amount of money to help cover the cost of food and medical care for animals seized in these cases. As it stands now, animal shelters are forced to cover the costs of care as the cases make their way to completion.

If those accused of crimes challenge the payments, a hearing will be held where “humane officers must prove their case,” according to a post Wednesday on the Philly Dawg blog on Philly.com.