Last week, the California Assembly Local Government Committee voted 4 to 3 in favor of a repeal of California’s current prohibition on breed-specific local ordinances. The bill, SB 861 by Senator Jackie Speier, will now proceed to the Assembly floor for a vote.

The amended version of SB 861 will allow local governments to pass breed-specific ordinances that require mandatory spay/neuter of certain breeds and/or impose breeding restrictions on the owners of these breeds. Though the author claims that this bill will not allow communities to ban specific breeds, these regulations amount to a de facto breed ban. If allowed to pass, such legislation would have a direct negative impact on fanciers and breeders in California. Any breed could be targeted under this proposal, so all purebred dog owners need to heed the call and join the opposition efforts.

Despite the short notice about the hearing, the Assembly Local Government Committee did receive opposition from many groups including the AKC, the California Veterinary Medical Association, the Sacramento Council of Dog Clubs, The Animal Council, and many individuals. Concerned dog owners who attended the hearing waited over three hours for the opportunity to speak. In fact, only two organizations were listed in support of the bill?the California League of Cities and the City of Concord?although the bill has since been endorsed by the City of San Jose. SB 861 was introduced by Senator Speier at the request of San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom in the wake of a tragic dog attack.

Several animal rights organizations opposed the initial version of SB 861, which would have allowed local governments to enact any type of breed-specific legislation, but they accepted the amendments to limit options to mandatory spay/neuter and/or breeding restrictions and are now supporting the measure.

As most Legislative Liaisons know, enactment of breed-specific and mandatory spay/neuter ordinances fails to address the heart of the problem?irresponsible ownership. If certain breeds are restricted, owners who choose to be irresponsible with their animals—allow them to run loose, train them to be aggressive, etc—will simply select new breeds to handle irresponsibly. Stringent enforcement of generic dangerous dog laws that affect all breeds and all owners is what will help keep communities safe.

Effective enforcement of leash laws and increased public education efforts can prevent tragedies from occurring. Specifically, public education campaigns can help teach community residents how to properly care for their pets and how to be responsible pet owners. The AKC has materials available to promote responsible dog ownership and to teach children safe ways to behave around dogs.

What You Can Do:

- Fanciers should contact their local Assemblyman and State Senator and ask him or her to oppose SB 861. To find out who represents you in the California legislature, click here. It is critical that legislators hear from their own constituents!

- Contact Senator Speier’s office and ask her to withdraw the bill.

The Honorable Jackie Speier
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-651-4008, Fax 916-327-2186
Senator.Speier@sen.ca.gov

- If you need help writing your opposition letter, please refer to the following talking points. Click here