May 2006

Editor's Note
Our lead story this month must rightfully be the early May introduction in the New York State Assembly of a bill to criminalize cropping and docking. This legislation is not a state of New York issue or a concern only to fanciers of cropped or docked breeds, it is instead a national issue threatening the entire purebred dog fancy. Our right to own and breed dog s and participate in AKC events is endangered by this bill which will grant "animal rights organizations" legal standing to sue individual dog owners for decisions rightfully within the purview of owners and their veterinarians. This legislation is a first salvo in the battle between those who own and breed dogs responsibly and the groups that want to remove the rights of dog owners. It is imperative that the entire purebred dog community respond to this challenge. I encourage you to immediately visit the NY Crop/Dock Action Center to learn the most effective methods to combat this legislation.

Walt Bebout



New York Bill Would Prohibit Ear Cropping and Tail Docking
As many fanciers are now aware, New York State Assemblywoman Sandy Galef has introduced A. 11242, a bill to prohibit ear cropping and tail docking. We need your help. Inform your fellow club members and other concerned dog owners that it is imperative that all fanciers and concerned dog owners contact lawmakers and urge them to oppose this bill. If you live in New York state, contact your representative and the members of the New York State Agriculture Committee immediately and call for their opposition to this legislation. Even if you don't live in New York, you can help.

Read the full article.



Around the Nation: Legislation That Affects You
ALABAMA -- S82 passed both houses of the legislature and is now before Governor Riley. The bill establishes a procedure by which a dog can be declared dangerous, provides an appeal process and requires that a dog found to be a significant threat to public health and safety be humanely euthanized. Owners of dangerous dogs may be fined up $300 for the first offense and $600 for a second offense. The dog is also required to be registered with the city or county for an unspecified fee.

- Rep. Galliher's H252 has been signed by Governor Riley. The measure requires any animal sold by public and private shelters to be sterilized.

CALIFORNIA -- The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has instituted a mandatory spay/neuter ordinance for all dogs. The ordinance will go into effect June 3rd. Exceptions are made only if the dog is a law enforcement dog, a service animal or qualifies as a "competition dog." In addition, owners of intact animals that qualify are required to purchase a $60 permit for each dog. AKC worked with local fanciers and concerned dog owners to oppose this measure. To find out more details about this proposal please read our Legislative Alert.

See news from other states.



Responsible Dog Ownership Day - Event Planning Begins
AKC is proud to announce that the fourth annual AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day will be held on Saturday, September 16th. The goal of the initiative is to educate first-time dog owners about the responsibilities of dog ownership and help current owners enhance their relationships with their pets. The Canine Legislation department wants to encourage our legislative liaisons to take this one step further and educate community members and elected officials about legislative issues that affect dog owners.

Read the full article.



 
Walter R. Bebout, Director
Sarah Sprouse, Manager
Phone: 919-816-3720 | Fax: 919-816-4275 | Email: doglaw@akc.org

© 2006 The American Kennel Club

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