ALLENTOWN — Pennsylvania's top dog-law enforcer has been replaced in a shake-up that some animal-welfare advocates viewed with alarm.

Jessie Smith was hired by former Gov. Ed Rendell to revamp Pennsylvania dog law and end the state's reputation as the puppy mill capital of the East.

The Agriculture Department says Smith was replaced this morning as the state's chief enforcer of dog law. She will continue to serve the administration of Gov. Tom Corbett as an attorney with the Office of Chief Counsel.

A department spokeswoman characterized the move as a normal part of the transition between administrations.

But Tom Hickey Sr., a member of the Dog Law Advisory Board appointed by Rendell, says he believes the Corbett administration is siding with the kennel industry.

Smith declined to comment when reached by The Associated Press.