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 the local issues currently being addressed by AKC GR.

Breeding Restrictions

Chino Valley, AZ — The Chino Valley Town Council has returned to committee a proposal that would have enacted numerous problematic changes to the town's animal control laws. The committee, which includes some local fanciers and dog clubs, is working to rewrite the ordinance. AKC GR has provided information to the committee on effective laws and continues to work closely with local clubs on this issue.

Chula Vista, CA — The City of Chula Vista will consider an ordinance to regulate "pet sellers," defined as those who sell two or more animals in a year. The proposal includes a requirement that pet sellers will allow animal control officers to inspect their homes if there is a complaint. The proposal does not address what happens if a pet seller refuses an inspection, is not home or what the inspection criteria entails. It is also unclear what happens if a pet seller does not pass the inspections — is there a warning, fine or confiscation of the animals? AKC believes that this proposal should be redrafted to address these and other concerns. Some changes were made to the document presented on September 11th and AKC anticipates a new version will be available on September 25. AKC GR alerted San Diego County dog owners and advised the mayor and city council of our concerns.

Delaware Township, NJ — The Delaware Township Board of Health will consider dog ownership and breeding limits on Monday, October 1, 2012. All concerned New Jersey dog owners and breeders are encouraged to contact the Board of Health to express opposition. AKC GR issued a legislative alert and contacted both the Board of Health and the Township Committee expressing opposition to the proposal.

Los Angeles, CA — The Los Angeles Department of Animal Services has submitted a report to the city council which recommends several changes to the city's breeding permits and spay/neuter ordinance. Changes include requiring sterilization on a second impoundment even if the animal has an intact license, removing the exemption for animals that have acquired a title or are being trained for conformation, companion or performance events and requiring that those seeking exemptions for show or competition animals provide verified proof of competition. Finally, the proposal would require those who have a breeding permit to be "subject to inspection by the Los Angeles Department of Animal Services at its sole discretion." It is unknown what the city council will do with this report. AKC staff will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates if an ordinance is prepared and set for hearing.

Menifee, CA — The Menifee City Council has tasked an ad-hoc committee of two councilmembers to review language for a possible ordinance to ban the sale of dogs and cats in the city. It is unknown how this might affect local breeders. AKC GR staff is continuing to monitor the issue.

Niagara Falls, NY — The Niagara Falls City Council is in the process of drafting possible regulations regarding kennels, which are currently defined as any building or lot where four or more dogs or cats are raised and/or boarded for "sale, breeding, grooming, training...or are sheltered for humanitarian reasons." AKC GR provided recommendations to council staff on reasonable and effective solutions to address their concerns. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

Ovid, NY — The Ovid Town Board is considering an 18-month moratorium on new and expanded commercial boarding or training kennels and on "pet breeders." A "pet breeder" is defined as a property on which three or more dogs or cats at any one time are bred or sold; more than two litters are sold or given away in a 12-month period, or a female dog or cat is bred more than once in any 12-month period and the offspring are sold or given away. Veterinarians and humane organizations would be exempted. AKC GR sent a letter of concern to the Board and alerted its New York federation.

Waterloo, NY — The Waterloo Town Board approved an ordinance that establishes a one year moratorium on the approval of new kennels or pet breeders. The ordinance defines a kennel as any residence where three or more dogs or cats not owned by the property owner are trained or boarded for commercial purposes. It defines a pet breeder as any lot on which: at least three dogs or cats at any one time are bred or sold for commercial purposes, there is at any time more than three adult dogs and one litter of puppies under the age of four months, where any adult dog or cat is bred more than once in a twelve month period, or where more than two litters of puppies or kittens are sold or given away in a twelve month period. AKC GR alerted local residents and encouraged them to attend the town board meeting.

Breed-Specific Legislation/Dangerous Dog Measures

Marianna, AR — Marianna commissioners will appoint a citizen's committee to make recommendations regarding a dangerous dog ordinance. AKC GR sent information in support of fair measures that do not discriminate against owners of specific breeds and will continue to offer assistance to the committee.

Breaux Bridge, LA — A recent media report indicated that the Breaux Bridge City Council may discuss a breed ban at its upcoming meeting. AKC GR has contacted the mayor and members of the city council to express the importance of breed-neutral dangerous dog law. AKC GR will continue to monitor developments in Breaux Bridge.

York County, SC — The York County Council is moving forward on revisions to the county animal ordinance. Dog confinement requirements, tethering restrictions, and breed-specific restrictions are among the provisions under consideration. New definitions for "adequate shelter, "at large," "public nuisance," "ill treatment of animals" and other terms may also be considered. AKC GR alerted local dog owners and continues to monitor this issue.

Limit Laws

Franklin Lakes, NJ — The Franklin Lakes Board of Health has recommended that the mayor and council consider placing limits on the number of pets that can be legally kept at any single residence. AKC GR continues to work with the New Jersey Federation of Dog Clubs on this issue, and will respond once a proposal is introduced.

Gilberton, PA — The Gilberton Borough Council is considering a proposal that would limit ownership to 4 dogs. This is a reaction to recent nuisance and noise complaints in the community. A vote is expected on September 27. AKC GR has notified local clubs and sending a letter of concern to the council.