Although most state legislatures have adjourned, many municipalities are still considering ordinances that could affect your rights as dog owners. If you hear of an issue in your town or county, contact us at (919) 816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org. We will be happy to provide you with the resources, tools, and support you need to help fight for responsible dog ownership in your community. Here are some examples of the approximately 120 local issues we are monitoring:

Mandatory Spay/Neuter
New Orleans, LA – On Wednesday, November 4, the mandatory spay/neuter proposal that was to be considered by the New Orleans City Council was withdrawn by the ordinance’s sponsor, Councilwoman Cynthia Hedge-Morrell. Media outlets in New Orleans have reported that the Councilwoman will introduce some form of animal control legislation in early 2010. The AKC continues to work closely with concerned fanciers in the New Orleans area, and urges the city council to study in-depth any existing animal population and enforcement funding issues that exist in New Orleans. We also encourage the council to work with all interested stakeholder groups in formulating reasonable and enforceable laws that protect public health and safety without punishing responsible dog owners and breeders.

Las Vegas, NV – The Las Vegas City Council has approved a mandatory spay/neuter ordinance despite objections from the AKC Government Relations department and local clubs and responsible breeders. For more on the specific requirements of this measure, read our Legislative Alert.

Pomona, CA – The Pomona City Council has asked its staff to prepare a draft of a mandatory spay/neuter ordinance for their review. The AKC contacted local delegates, judges, club officers and breeders and asked them to monitor the issue. A group of local dog owners attended the council meeting and spoke about why mandatory spay/neuter ordinances are ineffective and have not been successful in other communities.

Breeding Restrictions
Jefferson Parish, LA – The Jefferson Parish Animal Welfare Committee voted on November 17 to recommend that the Parish Council enact several proposals related to animal ownership, including implementing dog breeding permits. While the AKC commends the committee’s attempt to address animal population issues and praises its finding that mandatory spay/neuter laws should not be adopted, we oppose the breeder permit and sever other aspects of the proposal. AKC GR continues to work with local responsible breeders, owners, and allied groups in opposition to this proposal in its current form.

Kern County, CA – After a series of public meetings, the Kern County Animal Control Department decided not to move forward with proposed revisions to the county’s animal control regulations. Proposed changes included a requirement that animals be sterilized if they are impounded three times, increased license fees for intact dogs, definitions and inspections for commercial and noncommercial animal facilities (as well as rescues and animal sanctuaries), higher fees for establishments maintaining intact animals, and changes to the animal care requirements. The AKC Government Relations Department worked with our local clubs and federations to alert residents about the public meetings.

Lewis County, WA – The Lewis County Commission is considering a limit law to address recent problems with hoarding and is also exploring the possibility of kennel and breeder regulations. The commissioners have expressed a desire to work with local responsible breeders to draft an ordinance that does not negatively impact them. The AKC GR department notified our local delegates, judges, club officers and breeders encouraging them to offer their expertise and become involved in the drafting process and to notify them of a public meeting on the issue. AKC is now working with local responsible breeders to address vague and problematic language in the initial draft of the ordinance.

Breed-Specific Legislation
Numerous cities are considering breed-specific ordinances:
Auburn, CA – City Councilmember Kevin Hanley has asked city staff to consider placing a breed-specific ordinance relating to "pit bulls" on a future agenda. There is not currently a draft or a vote scheduled. The AKC Government Relations Department has sent a letter to city officials informing them about the California state restrictions on breed-specific ordinances and educating them about the ineffectiveness of restrictions based on breed.

Bothell, WA – The City of Bothell is considering placing restrictions on "pit bulls" and possibly other breeds they deem dangerous. A draft ordinance has not yet been written. The city plans to hold two additional public hearings on this issue, but has not yet announced the dates and times. The AKC Government Relations Department has encouraged local responsible dog owners and breeders to get involved in the drafting process.

Elgin, IL – The Elgin City Council continues to consider the best way to address dangerous dogs. It is not yet clear if the city will consider an ordinance with breed restrictions. The Anderson Animal Shelter sent a representative to the council meeting to advocate against breed-specific restrictions and to encourage the city to establish a taskforce on canine aggression. The AKC Government Relations Department sent a letter opposing breed-specific ordinances and provided the city council with sample dangerous dog ordinances. Local responsible dog owners and breeders are encouraged to contact the city council and oppose any language which bans or restricts ownership of specific breeds.

Elyria, OH – The Elyria City Council is considering adopting restrictions on "pit bulls”, but no specific language is currently available. The AKC Government Relations staff has sent a letter to the city council urging them to adopt a dangerous dog ordinance that is based on a dog's deeds, not its breed.

Fort Wayne, IN – The Fort Wayne City Council approved increased breeder licensing fees for “major” and “minor” breeders, as well as residential kennel permits. These fees are double (in one case almost triple) what is currently in city code, making it cost-prohibitive to be a breeder in the city. The AKC Government Relations Department sent two letters of concern to the council members and Animal Care and Control Director, and notified local AKC officials and dog clubs of the proposal.

Limit Laws
Baxter, TN – The Baxter Planning Commission is considering an ordinance limiting the number of pets residents can own. The AKC Government Relations department has sent a letter and informational brochure opposing limit to the mayor and members of the city council.

Elkhart, IN – The Elkhart City Council published a final draft of its new animal control ordinance and is welcoming public comment at its meeting on December 16. The final draft removes the ban on “pit bulls” present in the original proposal, but limits residents to owning four animals unless their property is at least one-third of an acre and there is at least 1,000 additional square feet of property available for each additional animal. “Animal” is defined as any vertebrate besides small caged animals (including dogs, cats, etc.). Like other cities in Indiana, “major” and “minor” breeder licenses are required for anyone who breeds at least one dog and chooses to sell or keep puppies from the litter rather than giving them to the local shelter. The AKC has sent a letter of concern to the Council and notified our state federation and local concerned dog owners.