An important part of responsible dog ownership is compliance with all dog laws, including kennel, licensing, zoning, leash laws and animal control regulations on both the state and local levels. Highlights of laws changed in 2011 that could impact you include:

Missouri – In April, Governor Nixon signed Senate Bill 161. This new law, which became effective immediately, eliminated the 50-dog ownership limit and made several other positive changes to the Proposition B provisions passed in November 2010. Read more about the changes made in this new law. 

Oklahoma – Governor Fallin approved several measures in May that made changes to the Commercial Pet Breeders Act enacted in 2010. These changes, which became effective immediately, included establishing a toll-free hotline for reporting animal abuse and prohibiting the Oklahoma State Board of Commercial Pet Breeders, which oversees enforcement of breeder regulation, from hiring “humane society groups” to perform inspections. The changes also removed sections of the law that required a breeder to submit “any other relevant information required by the (Oklahoma State Commercial Pet Breeders) Board.” Regulations to implement these changes were released in December 2011 for public comment. Read more about the changes to the Commercial Pet Breeders Act and regulations.  AKC GR has provided formal comments on these changes and continues to monitor the regulations being adopted in conjunction with this law.  Read AKC’s comments.
 
Wisconsin – The Wisconsin Dog Breeders and Sellers Law took effect on June 1, 2011. Under this law, all dog breeding facilities that sell at least 25 dogs per year from more than three litters must be licensed. Licenses are also required for in-state dealers who sell at least 25 dogs per year that they did not breed and raise, anyone who imports at least 25 dogs into the state each year, animal control facilities, and non-profit shelters and rescues that shelter or foster at least 25 dogs a year. Read AKC’s Legislative Alert for more information about the new law and how to apply for a license.

Local laws – It’s also important to ensure you are in compliance with your local laws. Take time to contact your city and county administrators and animal control offices to see if any new laws were passed last year. Make sure that you are up to date with all applicable dog, kennel, business and zoning licenses and are knowledgeable about all animal control laws. 

Looking ahead – 2012 elections
A critical factor in the fight to protect responsible dog ownership and breeding is to elect dog-friendly lawmakers –and this year’s and primary elections are already underway. Contact your state’s election office to obtain a voter registration form and to find out if your state has “open” or “closed” primaries (meaning if those registered as Independents can vote in the primaries). Also, be sure to inquire about the registration deadline for voting in your primary and general elections.

Stay tuned to future issues of Taking Command for more information on how to get involved in the elections and help elect candidates who will protect your rights as responsible dog owners and breeders.