The AKC Government Relations Department continues to work with responsible dog owners to help with canine legislation issues in their local communities. 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 local issues currently being addressed by AKC GR:

Breeding Restrictions
Austin, TX – The Austin Animal Advisory Commission is considering an ordinance to require pet traders (those who sell more than 15 dogs or cats in a year) pay a $50 fee for each intact animal they sell and file a variety of paperwork with the city. The AKC GR department has sent a letter expressing our concerns with this measure. A second proposed ordinance would ban retail sales of dogs and cats in the city limits.

Jackson County, IN – At a public meeting on June 1, the county commission rejected several new breeder regulations, including requiring licenses and inspections for anyone breeding a dog. The AKC’s Indiana federation and local residents testified in opposition to the regulations at the meeting and the AKC provided a letter opposing the regulations and notified local residents of the meeting.

Riverside, CA – The Riverside City Council has voted unanimously to give initial approval to an ordinance that would require the spaying/neutering of any dog or cat for even a minor violation of the animal control ordinance, force pet owners to microchip all their animals, and will require anyone with five or more dogs to obtain a residential kennel license. A final vote will be taken at the June 22nd meeting. The AKC GR staff sent a letter to the city council opposing the measure and notified local, responsible dog owners and breeders of the meeting and proposed law.

Dangerous Dog/Breed-Specific Legislation
Auburn, CA – The City of Auburn has rejected numerous changes to its animal control ordinances including one that would have mandated the sterilization of all "pit bulls". The proposal defined “pit bull” as any dog “that a reasonable person would believe to be a Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier” and any dog having these characteristics. It would have required anyone wanting to breed one of these dogs to first obtain a permit, submit to inspections, and prove that the dog to be bred was a "show dog." The AKC sent numerous letters and resources to the city council and worked with local concerned dog owners to defeat the proposal.

Hollister, CA – In an attempt to decrease shelter population and dog bite incidents, the Hollister City Council has granted the city attorney permission to draft a proposal mandating the sterilization of all "pit bulls" and Chihuahuas. No hearing date has been set, but residents are encouraged to contact the council members and express opposition to this breed-specific, mandatory sterilization proposal. Read AKC’s Legislative Alert.

Lodi, NJ – The Borough of Lodi rejected discussions of restrictions on “pit bulls” and possibly other breeds. The AKC sent a letter to the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Borough Council opposing breed-specific legislation and providing more positive alternatives.

Point Coupee, LA – The Point Coupee Police Jury may consider numerous changes to the Parish’s animal control ordinance for owners of “Pit Bulls”, Rottweilers, Chow Chows, German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, Boxers, and Akitas. These include ownership age restrictions, increased licensing fees, and muzzling requirements. Although no public hearings are scheduled, Parish residents are encouraged to contact the members of the police jury and ask them to oppose breed-specific legislation. Read AKC’s previous Legislative Alert on this issue.

San Bernardino County, CA – The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors will vote June 22nd on an ordinance to require the spaying/neutering of all "pit bulls." Although an official draft is not yet available, documents on the county's animal control website define "pit bulls" as Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers and any mixed breed dog containing these breeds. The materials state there will be exemptions for dogs registered with the American Kennel Club, United Kennel Club and other registries, as well as for law enforcement dogs, service and assistance dogs, dogs used for breeding at licensed kennels, and dogs medically unable to be sterilized. However, until the official proposal draft is released, it is not possible to know exactly how these exemptions will be implemented. Responsible dog owners and breeders are encouraged to contact their representative on the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors and express their opposition. The AKC GR department is notifying local residents and sending a letter to the supervisors stating our opposition to breed-specific laws.

Limit Laws
Haw River, NC – The Town of Haw River passed a 2-dog limit law at its meeting on June 7, 2010. Under the new law, no one may own over 2 dogs if they have 30,000 square feet of property or less. Three dogs are permitted if there is an additional 7,000 square feet of space. No exemptions are provided in the bill. The AKC sent a letter to the mayor and town council opposing the limit law and providing more positive alternatives. AKC also notified clubs and AKC officials in Alamance County of the hearing and worked with the state federation and local kennel clubs to oppose the limit law.

Mequon, WI – The city may soon consider repealing its current dog fancier permit, which would effectively limit dog ownership for residents. The item was removed from the council’s May agenda, but may be considered in June or July. The AKC and the Wisconsin federation have both sent letters of concern and continue to closely monitor this proposal.

West Bend, WI – Local dog owners are working to get the city council to repeal the current 2-dog limit law. The AKC has sent two letters to the council urging repeal and contacted local dog clubs and AKC officials. The AKC continues to work with its Wisconsin federation to address this issue. Local residents are encouraged to contact the West Bend Common Council and urge them to repeal this limit.