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 100 local issues we are monitoring (Link to new page):

Mandatory Spay/Neuter
Claremore, OK – The City of Claremore has enacted a mandatory spay/neuter law for all dogs and cats at least five months of age, unless the owner purchases a hobbyist or commercial breeder permit. The law does not apply to anyone who is not a resident or to any non-resident who participates in a dog event in Claremore. Claremore citizens are encouraged to contact the Mayor and City Council and express opposition to the new law. For questions regarding the new law and to purchase a permit, residents are asked to contact Claremore Animal Control at (918) 341-1260.

New Orleans, LA – The City of New Orleans is expected to take action soon on a mandatory spay/neuter proposal. The proposal requires dog owners to have all dogs spayed or neutered by six months of age, or obtain a breeders permit. The proposal also seeks to limit female dogs from producing more than one litter per year, and makes it illegal to breed a female dog who is younger than 18 months of age. The AKC is working closely with local clubs and concerned dog owners to defeat this proposal and has provided a sample letter for residents to personalize. New Orleans residents are encouraged to contact the members of the New Orleans City Council and express opposition to this proposal.

Santa Barbara County, CA – A county task force has given preliminary approval to a mandatory spay/neuter ordinance for Santa Barbara County. The County Board of Supervisors is expected to vote on the proposal on November 3 at 9:30 a.m. Read more about how you can help fight this proposal.

Limit Laws
Highland, IL – The Highland City Council is considering an ordinance which would limit the number of dogs and cats that residents may own. The AKC has sent a letter explaining why limit laws are ineffective and has alerted local AKC fanciers to the proposal.

Jackson, TN – The Jackson Safe Neighborhoods Taskforce has recommended an ownership limit of six dogs and cats (combined) for all residents unless the owner purchases an Animal Lodging Permit and allows for unannounced inspections of their property. Additionally, the proposal would require anyone with an intact animal to purchase a breeding permit, even if they are not breeding the animal. The AKC is working with Responsible Animal Owners of Tennessee to defeat this proposal.

Breed-Specific Legislation
Numerous cities have introduced breed-specific ordinances:

Des Moines, IA – The Des Moines City Council is considering banning new ownership of “pit bulls” in city limits, although current owners would be permitted to keep their pets. The AKC is working with local concerned fanciers and dog owners to defeat this proposal and has notified local fanciers, club members, and AKC officials and urged them to contact the city council.

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.

Elkhart, IN – The Elkhart City Council has created a 9-member task force to consider a proposal which would make it illegal to own “pit bulls”, including American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers and American Pit Bull Terriers. Dogs of these breeds already residing in the city would be allowed to stay if the owner purchases a $75 vicious dog license, provides proof of $300,000 in liability insurance, has the dog tattooed or microchipped, and leashes and muzzles the dog any time it is off the owner's property. The ordinance would also limit ownership to no more than 4 adult dogs, cats or other animals in one residence and contain new broad regulations regarding “public nuisance” animals. The AKC Government Relations staff has written the Mayor and city council members letter opposing the changes and notified local AKC club officers and judges. AKC has also sent information, including positive alternatives to BSL, to concerned local fanciers and dog owners.

Hampton, NE – The Hampton Village Board of Trustees is considering an ordinance to ban or restrict ownership of specific dog breeds. A draft of the proposal is not yet available. The AKC has sent letters to the trustees expressing opposition to breed specific legislation and provided them with packets containing examples of effective dangerous dog ordinances.

Mashpee, MA – Citizens of Mashpee will be asked to consider a mandatory sterilization and possible euthanasia of “pit bulls” at their October 19 Town Meeting. The Mashpee Board of Selectmen has already voted against the proposal. The AKC is supporting the extensive work of concerned local dog owners by submitting a letter to be read at the Town Meeting.

Park Ridge, IL – The Chicago Tribune reports that the Park Ridge City Council has rejected a proposed “pit bull” ban and will instead draft a more general dangerous dog law. The AKC sent a letter to the Mayor and City Council expressing opposition and concern about the original proposal and provided alternative solutions. The AKC also provided information about the inherent problems of breed-specific laws to local residents to distribute to their Aldermen.

Springdale, AR – The City of Springdale is considering an ordinance that will ban or restrict the ownership of specific breeds. The AKC has sent a letter to the city council and urged local fanciers and club members to also contact the council and expression opposition to breed-specific animal control policies.

Wilkes-Barre, PA – The City of Wilkes-Barre plans to ask the State of Pennsylvania to repeal its prohibition on breed-specific legislation so the city can enact a breed ban. The AKC has written a letter to the city council and is working with the Pennsylvania Federation of Dog Clubs and local fanciers to defeat this proposal.