The AKC Government Relations Department (AKC GR) assists dog owners with canine legislation issues in their local communities, but we can’t help unless we are aware of the proposal! If you hear of an issue in your city or county, please 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 defend responsible dog ownership in your community.

Here are some examples of local issues currently being addressed by AKC GR:

Breeding Restrictions
Irvine, CA – The Irvine City Council has directed staff to develop ordinances to require the spaying and neutering of impounded pets (it is not clear how many violations would have to occur for sterilization to be required), a ban on pet expositions and live animal shows and a ban on sales of cats and dogs in pet stores. Draft proposals are expected to be brought before the council in late May. AKC GR staff is coordinating education and outreach efforts with local clubs, responsible owners and breeders.

Visalia, CA – The Visalia City Council has adopted new fees for breeders and is in the process of revising the definitions for breeders and kennels. GR staff has alerted local clubs and residents to encourage them to work with city officials in drafting these revisions.

Cecil County, MD – The Cecil County Board of Commissioners is expected to consider numerous changes to its licensing laws at an upcoming public hearing. These provisions include requiring all who are “engaged in the business of breeding” five or more dogs to obtain a kennel license, individual dog licenses and a business license, as well as schedule annual inspections with three separate county departments. Other provisions expected to be discussed include requiring a license and inspection for anyone who keeps dogs for hunting, tracking, participation in dog shows, performance events or field or obedience trials. Read more about these proposals.

Medford, MA – The Medford City Council is considering a mandatory spay/neuter proposal. While a final draft is not yet available, AKC GR has sent a letter of concern regarding mandatory sterilization laws and suggesting more positive alternatives. AKC GR is working with its Massachusetts federation to address this proposal.

Philadelphia, PA – The Philadelphia City Council has passed a proposal that makes numerous changes to dog licensing and ownership laws. Among other provisions, it limits ownership to two intact dogs and requires kennel licenses for anyone who owns 13 or more dogs or cats (regardless of whether they are intact). The proposal also prohibits shelters and pet stores from adopting out or selling dogs that have not been sterilized. The ordinance is pending on the mayor’s desk. Read more about this proposal.

Dangerous Dog/Breed-Specific Legislation
Santa Clara County, CA – The Santa Clara Animal Control Advisory Commission has recommended against a possible breed-specific mandatory spay/neuter ordinance. GR staff sent an alert to local clubs on this issue and has provided the commission with information about The Dog Listener.

Aurora, CO – The Aurora City Council has given initial approval to a measure that would remove seven of the ten breeds on its restricted dog list. American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers and American Pit Bull Terriers remain on the list. Provisions are included to provide some exemptions for service dogs of these breeds. The measure requires a second vote prior to becoming law. The AKC is working closely with its Colorado federation in support of the repeal of all the city’s BSL laws.

Malden, MA – The Malden City Council’s Ordinance Committee voted to recommend to the full city council an ordinance that would require all “pit bulls” be muzzled. A draft of the ordinance is not yet available. AKC GR department sent a letter to the mayor and city council opposing the adoption of a breed-specific ordinance.

Saginaw, MI – The City of Saginaw is seeking to restrict the ownership of 5 dog breeds (“pit bulls,” Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Bullmastiffs and Alaskan Malamutes), and impose a 3-dog limit on all dog owners, regardless of breed. The list of breeds will be reconsidered and updated each year. These proposals are expected to be formally introduced on June 6. Read the AKC’s Legislative Alert on this proposal, which provides talking points, a sample letter, and information on how you can help.

Xenia, OH – The City of Xenia has postponed consideration of a proposal to expand their current breed-specific laws from simply declaring “pit bulls” to be vicious to banning them from the city. The dogs would be permitted in city limits on a temporary basis for shows, but must be housed at a kennel in the city’s Light Industrial District. The AKC sent a letter of concern to the council and will notify local residents should the proposal be placed on an agenda.

Limit Laws
Los Angeles, CA – The City of Los Angeles Animal Services Department is proposing to increase the city’s current animal limit from 3 dogs or cats to 5 dogs or cats. AKC GR staff alerted local club members and breeders in Los Angeles asking them to contact their council members in support of this change. AKC GR provided talking points that laud the proposed changes, but also discuss the general ineffectiveness of limit laws. This item has not yet been placed on the council’s agenda, but as things can move very quickly, residents are asked to contact the mayor and council as soon as possible in support of this change.