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 over 90 local issues we are monitoring:

Mandatory Spay/Neuter
Santa Barbara County, CA – A county task force has given preliminary approval to a mandatory spay/neuter ordinance for Santa Barbara County. The ordinance now goes to the County Board of Supervisors for consideration. It is imperative that all dog owners in Santa Barbara County contact the Board of Supervisors immediately and express opposition to mandatory spay/neuter laws.

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 6 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. 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.

Elkhart, IN – The Elkhart City Council is considering legislation which would make it illegal to own “pit bulls”, which include American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, or 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 also limits residents to no more than 4 adult dogs, cats or other animals in one residence and contains new provisions relating to "public nuisance animals. These new provisions include regulations regarding barking dogs, foul odors, and prohibiting dogs from urinating or defecating anywhere but on the owner's property. 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.

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.

Hampton, NE – On September 14, the Hampton Village Board of Trustees will be discussing an ordinance to ban or restrict ownership of specific dog breeds. 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.

Oelwein, IA – Local media is reporting that Oelwein public officials are considering a breed-specific animal control ordinance with possible insurance requirements for owners of “pit bulls” and Rottweilers. No specific language has been drafted at this time, but 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.

Park Ridge, IL – The Park Ridge City Council is considering placing restrictions and special requirements on all “pit bull” owners. In addition, local media reports the Council may also require liability insurance for all dog owners, regardless of breed. A draft has not yet been written, but the AKC has sent a letter to the Mayor and City Council expressing opposition and concern for these proposals.

Springdale, AR – The City of Springdale is considering an ordinance which 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.

White County, TN – The White County Commission has decided not to pursue a breed ban that was proposed by the local sheriff in the wake of recent attacks in the area. The Commission is working with concerned citizens to find more effective ways to address owners and animals that create problems in the community. The AKC sent a letter to the County Commission opposing breed bans.

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.