Chino Valley, AZ — The Chino Valley Town Council is considering numerous changes to its animal control code. After many concerns were raised about the initial draft, a new proposal was offered that addressed some of the AKC's concerns, but still contained problematic provisions. Items of concern include defining "kennel" as an "enclosed, controlled areas in which a person keeps dogs on a permanent basis." Kennel owners would have to be licensed and subject to inspections twice a year. Thanks to the work of local clubs and fanciers, the town's Public Safety Committee agreed to not proceed with this ordinance. AKC GR issued a legislative alert regarding the hearings, sent letters of concern, and worked with local fanciers to address concerns with the proposal. AKC GR continues to work with local clubs to help the council develop more reasonable solutions.

Greenfield, IN and Harrison County, IN — The City of Greenfield and Harrison County are both likely to consider mandatory spay/neuter and possible breeder permit proposals in December 2012 or January 2013. No drafts are currently available. AKC GR is working with the Indiana Purebred Dog Alliance to educate the local lawmakers on the problems associated with these proposals. Local residents are encouraged to contact their officials and ask that they not proceed with mandatory/spay neuter measures.

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 to provide verified proof of competition. The proposal would also 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.

Macon County/Decatur, IL — The Humane Society of Decatur and Macon County sought to collect 1,000 signatures on two petitions that would have asked lawmakers to impose mandatory spay/neuter provisions on both the City of Decatur and Macon County. The first petition asked for a law that would require sterilization for all dogs 5 months of age or older. The second petition proposed that any dog or cat considered a "stray" should be sterilized at the owner's expense prior to release from the shelter. It is presumed that this could have included any dog or cat found at large even one time. With both petitions, exemptions would have been made for those with breeding licenses (which are already required for anyone breeding a dog), "proven show dogs or cats" (although this is not defined), and for owners who obtained a letter from their veterinarian stating their dog is not healthy enough for the procedure. AKC GR worked with the Illinois Federation of Dog Clubs and Owners (IFDCO) to educate county officials about the numerous problems with these proposals. AKC GR also notified local residents and asked them to contact their lawmakers. Thanks to these grassroots efforts, county officials confirmed that as of December 20, 2012, they have not been presented with the petitions and have not been asked to consider any new dog laws. AKC GR and IFDCO will continue to closely monitor this issue.

Santa Fe County, NM — The Santa Fe Board of County Commissioners is expected to consider a proposal in January 2013 that would make several changes to the county animal control code, including requiring an animal to be sterilized on a first impoundment and extensive fees for dog owners and breeders. Under the proposal, any animal impounded by the county Animal Services Department must be spayed/neutered before being released to the owner. Exemptions are made for service dogs and dogs that have “attained championship status”. All animals must be sterilized unless their owner purchases an intact animal permit, the cost of which would increase from $10/year to $100/year. The proposal also would establish a new breeder permit at the cost of $125/year for each “breeding dog,” and many other new fees and permits. AKC GR has alerted local residents of the proposal and is working with New Mexico clubs in opposition to this proposal. Read more about the proposed ordinance.

Pasadena, CA — The Pasadena Public Safety Committee has provided a staff report regarding a possible breed-specific mandatory spay/neuter ordinance. The committee has not yet decided if they will pursue this issue. AKC GR will continue to monitor the issue and will notify local clubs and residents once a meeting has been scheduled or a draft proposal released.

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 regarding the benefits of breed-neutral dangerous dog laws. AKC GR will continue to monitor developments in Breaux Bridge.

Ypsilanti Township, MI —The Ypsilanti Township Board of Trustees will consider a resolution in January 2013 to make the township’s breed-specific mandatory spay/neuter provisions a permanent law. The provisions are supposed to sunset in December 2012, but the county humane society is stating that the provisions have been effective in reducing the euthanasia rate of “pit bulls” in the community. “Pit bull” is defined as a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American pit bull terrier, or any mixed breed that exhibits five out of eight physical characteristics described in the ordinance. AKC GR has sent a letter to the board expressing opposition to the ordinance and provided materials that offer more effective policy and educational solutions.

Sikeston, MO — The City of Sikeston enacted a breed-specific ordinance in 2009 that placed numerous requirements on owners of “pit bulls”, including American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and Bull Terriers. The law includes a clause permitting officials to seize any dog of this breed that has not been duly licensed with the city. Seizures of dogs have increased dramatically in recent weeks, causing many to contact the city council and ask that they repeal the breed-specific laws. AKC GR has sent a letter requesting repeal and provided materials recommending more effective solutions for dangerous dog issues.

Aberdeen, SD —The Aberdeen City Council voted 6-3 not to pursue a breed-specific ordinance that would have limited the residents’ abilities to own “pit bulls.”  “Pit bull” was defined as American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American pit bull terriers, and any dog displaying a majority of the physical characteristics of any of these breeds. AKC GR sent materials opposing the proposal and has offered assistance to residents who are working to develop training and public education opportunities for dog owners in the community.

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.

New Orleans, LA — The New Orleans City Council is currently considering updates to the City’s animal ordinances. The proposal includes several reasonable changes including changing vaccination requirements to a three-year term, requiring dogs to be moved indoors during extreme weather, and adding a designation of “potentially dangerous” dogs. Several other aspects of the proposal, however, are of concern, including a changed definition of “exhibition” that will include conformation shows and other AKC-sanctioned dog events that would make it impossible to conduct such events in New Orleans. Other provisions of concern include a significant increase in the cost of the initial intact animal permit and several instances where the LA/SPCA may assume ownership of animals without full benefit of due process. The AKC is working closely with local fanciers and enthusiasts to address these concerns. Read more about this proposal.