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 support and defend responsible dog ownership in your community.

Here are some examples of local issues currently being addressed by AKC GR:
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 support and defend responsible dog ownership in your community.

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

Breeding Restrictions
Pasco County, FL – The Pasco County Commission is considering numerous changes to the county animal control ordinance. Proposed ordinance CS12-012 is expected to be considered in an upcoming commission hearing. According to the county attorney’s office, the following controversial provisions will be considered: mandatory breeder permits for anyone whose dogs or cats produce more than two litters or more than 20 animals per 12 month period, expanded requirements for owners of dangerous dogs, and tethering limits. AKC sent a letter of concern, issued a Legislative Alert, and is working with its Florida federation to address this problematic proposal.

Cecil County, MD – The Cecil County Board of Commissioners is considering numerous changes to its licensing laws. These provisions include requiring a license and inspection for anyone who keeps dogs for hunting, tracking, performance events or field or obedience trials. Anyone who breeds three or more litters would be required to obtain a commercial breeder license, individual dog licenses and a business license, as well as comply with zoning requirements. Other provisions include implementing a differential licensing and fee structure for individual dog licenses depending on whether the dog is intact and microchipped. A license for an intact dog would cost four times as much as one for a dog that is sterilized and microchipped. The commission has held numerous work sessions and is expected to schedule an opportunity for public comment in the near future. Local fanciers, breeders, and exhibitors are encouraged to contact the commission and express opposition to these proposals. Read more.

Medford, MA – The Medford City Council is considering a mandatory spay/neuter proposal. Although 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.

St. Louis, MO – The St. Louis Board of Aldermen is considering Board Bill 107, which would redefine hobby/show breeders and impose a mandatory spay/neuter ordinance, among other provisions. Under the proposal, all dogs in city limits for more than 30 days must be sterilized. Exemptions would be made for those with hobby/show permits (which would be required for all who own two intact dogs, down from 10 in current law). Those who purchase hobby/show permits would also have to pay an annual $200 inspection fee. The proposal includes a new limit law and low commercial kennel thresholds. The bill has been approved by committee and is pending consideration by the full board. The bill has been on the inactive calendar since September, meaning that the sponsor and Board must now decide whether to bring the bill forward for a vote. AKC GR has contacted the board in opposition to the measure several times and encourages local dog owners to do the same. Read more about this legislation and how to contact the board.

Mercer County, WV – The Mercer County Commission agreed to table a proposal in December that would have created mandatory spay/neuter and breeder licensing requirements for county residents in an attempt to address animal population concerns. A new proposal has been introduced that would establish licensing requirements for owners of intact and sterilized animals. An intact animal license would cost $10/year, and a sterilized dog license would have a $5 annual fee. Residents could be exempt from the intact animal license if they meet one of several criteria, including having a hunting license or participating in at least three conformation shows or other “professionally organized events” in a year. AKC GR sent a letter of concern and issued Legislative Alerts regarding the original proposal, and continues to monitor these issues.

Dangerous Dog/Breed-Specific Legislation
Mission Hills, KS – The Mission Hills City Council is considering whether to move forward on a recommendation to add Rottweilers to the city’s existing breed-specific dangerous dog ordinance. At the October council meeting, staff reported that only one Rottweiler was licensed in the city, and no other cities in the county include the breed on their dangerous dog list. The council has asked the staff to research whether there are credible studies verifying that this breed is more dangerous than other breeds, and to present their findings at the November meeting. AKC GR sent a letter to the council explaining the inherent problems with breed-specific policies and providing suggestions for more effective solutions.

Ionia, MI – The Ionia City Council rejected a proposed ordinance which have prohibited residents from owning “pit bulls,” defined as American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers and American pit bull terriers. The AKC GR department sent a letter to the councilmembers and provided local dog owners with educational materials for councilmembers. The city is forming a committee to evaluate the current ordinance and see what positive changes can be made.

Wentzville, MO – The Wentzville Board of Aldermen is expected to consider several changes to their animal control code at the next meeting on January 25. While no draft has yet been released, these amendments are expected to include a possible repeal of the city’s breed-specific policies, which ban all Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American pit bull terriers, and any mixed-breed known as a “pit bull” from being owned or harbored within city limits. AKC GR has sent a Legislative Alert to local dog owners encouraging them to contact the Board in support of the repeal and will continue to closely monitor this proposal.

Fond du Lac, WI – The Fond du Lac City Council is expected to allow public comment on proposed breed-specific legislation during its meeting on Wednesday, January 25. While no draft has yet been written, a petition has been submitted to ultimately ban “pit bulls” within city limits. AKC GR issued an alert to local clubs and breeders encouraging to attend the meeting and also contact the council.

Limit Laws
Salt Lake City, UT – The Salt Lake City Council is considering several changes to its animal control laws, including repealing the two-dog ownership limit. AKC GR sent a letter in support of the repeal. The Council was scheduled to receive a briefing on proposed breeder licensing at the January 17 meeting. AKC GR continues to monitor these actions.

Franklin Lakes, NJ – AKC GR has learned that the Franklin Lakes Board of Health has recommended that the Mayor and Council duly consider placing limits on the number of pets that can be legally kept at any single residence. AKC GR will continue to work with the New Jersey Federation of Dog Clubs in addressing any proposal, and will respond once one is introduced.

Mendham Township, NJ – On December 12, 2011, the Township Committee considered a dog ownership limit ordinance. Due to the strong reaction of both Township residents and interested organizations, including the American Kennel Club, the ordinance was unanimously tabled. AKC GR continues to work with the New Jersey Federation of Dog Clubs in an effort to ensure that any effort on the part of Mendham Township to strengthen their nuisance laws does not include ownership limits.