Editor's Note
Where will you be September 17th? The American Kennel Club, founded on September 17th, 1884, has declared that date "AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day," and announced hundreds of celebrations to be held across the country through the weekend of September 20 and 21. The goal of the event-being held for the first time-is to educate the public about the importance of responsible dog ownership and the rewards of a respectful human-canine relationship. Special AKC-sponsored events will take place in New York, Raleigh, and Washington, DC. Each one of these events promises not only to educate dog owners, but also to draw positive public attention to many good works of AKC-affiliated dog clubs across the country. Make sure you get out and be a part of the first AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day. Your participation will help ensure the program's success and benefit dogs and dog owners everywhere!
Regards,
Nashville Fanciers Defeat "Dog Tax"
After months of tireless work, purebred dog owners in Nashville breathed a sigh of relief in August when the Metropolitan Council voted against a proposed differential licensing ordinance that would have increased fees for unaltered dogs to $20 per animal. Sporting "Vote No on the Dog Tax" buttons, over 250 dog owners filled the council gallery for the final decision. Their well organized grassroots campaign had culminated in victory, but not without long hours of effort on the part of the dog fancy.
Nashville purebred dog owners first learned of the proposed breeding restriction legislation in May. They immediately began to coordinate a strategy for defeating the measure and contacted AKC for assistance. The Canine Legislation department quickly provided materials and voiced its opposition in a letter to the Metro Council. Local clubs formed the Coalition of Nashville Area Dog Clubs and Responsible Pet Owners, knowing they would be a more powerful voice if they joined forces. Led by the Tri-Star Kennel Club and Nashville Kennel Club, the Coalition arranged meetings with council members, veterinarians and animal control staff to build support for their campaign. The veterinary community proved to be an important allly--though they believed in the importance of spaying and neutering, they did not want to take on the responsibility of collecting license fees, as the ordinance would require them to do.
Nashville fanciers employed many creative tactics to draw attention to their issue. They took out repeated ads in the local newspaper and sent countless letters to the editor. They investigated alternative methods of easing the city’s overcrowding in shelters, such as a mobile spay/neuter unit. They researched cities where breeding restriction legislation had been unsuccessful. Most inspired, however, was their reference to the proposed license fee as a "dog tax." The phrase hit home with council members, who in an election year were hesitant to go on record as voting for new taxes. Through it all, fanciers bombarded the council with calls, e-mails and letters.
With the vote on August 5, the differential licensing fee proposal is dead for the year. The Coalition, however, is here to stay. "I am amazed by the response from the dog community on this issue," said Dick Dickerson, president of the Tri-Star Kennel Club. "We made it clear to animal control and other city officials that they must work with us on future dog issues. I believe there is now a willingness on both sides to come together and address Nashville’s animal control concerns and problems with irresponsible pet ownership."
The Canine Legislation department extends its congratulations to Nashville fanciers on their victory. Planning sessions, meetings, and letter-writing campaigns consumed hours of their personal time over the past few months, yet they kept up the pressure and were able to convince legislators that a differential license fee would do nothing but punish responsible dog owners. Their successful efforts serve as a terrific model to any dog community facing restrictive legislation. Hats off to everyone involved!
Around the Nation
Legislation That Affects You
ALABAMA - The Pelham City Council approved an ordinance making it unlawful to possess a "loud, frequent or continued barking dog that can be heard by the unaided human ear of neighbors." Violators will face graduated fines from $50 to $200.
GEORGIA - Fanciers in Hall County alerted AKC to a differential licensing proposal that would require owners of intact dogs to pay a $50 licensing fee per animal. Owners of altered dogs would be charged only $10 per animal. Purebred dog owners are mounting an opposition campaign, and the Canine Legislation department is assisting with their efforts.
ILLINOIS - In August, H184 was signed by the governor. As a result, counties will now be required to impose animal registration and litter registration fees. Originally, the bill focused solely on dangerous dog legislation and included language that would prohibit breed-specific laws. AKC supported this text but did not believe that counties should be forced to impose animal and litter registration fees. AKC and the Illinois Dog Clubs and Breeders Association (IDBCA) had therefore urged the Governor to veto H184.
MARYLAND - Having studied the effectiveness of the area’s "pit bull" ban for over a year, Prince George’s County Vicious Animal Task Force is urging officials to repeal the ordinance. Among the conclusions stated in the 300-page report were that the law is difficult and costly to enforce, and that it punishes many responsible dog owners while doing nothing to address the irresponsible ones. Representatives from eight county government departments make up the task force, along with members of the Maryland Dog Federation and the Prince George’s County Municipal Association. The health department representative was the only member dissenting in the recommendations.
MASSACHUSETTS - Representative Hill is sponsoring H4033, which amends the state’s dangerous dog law in several ways. First, the bill includes a vague definition of "potentially dangerous" dog, defining it as one that on two occasions within a 36-month period acts in a way that "requires a defensive action" by a domestic animal to prevent injury. Such behavior must be unprovoked and occur when the dog is off its property. Dogs may also be declared potentially dangerous if they seriously bite or injure a domestic animal twice within 36 months. "Vicious dogs" are defined as those that severely injure or kill a human being without being provoked. Potentially dangerous dogs that continue to violate the law may also be deemed vicious. Hunting and other working dogs are exempt. Potentially dangerous dogs may have that label removed after good behavior for three years. If owners demonstrate they have better trained the dog or taken other measures to reduce the risk of it injuring someone, the determination may also be lifted. On a positive note, the bill prohibits municipalities from enacting breed-specific legislation.. H4033 was referred to the Joint Committee on Local Affairs and Regional Government.
- The City of Boston is considering establishing a system of 22 dog parks throughout the city. AKC sent materials and a statement of support to officials in August.
NEW MEXICO - Santa Fe fanciers are still facing strict breeding legislation that could severely impact their ability to breed and show dogs. Key points of the proposed law include:
- $250 breeder permits and annual inspections for anyone involved in breeding animals. A city business license would be required in order to apply for the permit.
- Those who breed without first obtaining a permit will be required to pay a $25 litter fee and furnish the receipt number to pet purchasers who request it.
- Mandatory spay/neuter for all dogs and cats unless owners obtain an annual $75 unaltered animal permit.
- Prohibits owning more than any combination of four dogs and cats unless residents purchase a $100 multiple animal site or $250 kennel permit.
- Excessive fines for violators.
NEW YORK - The City of Elmira is still considering changes to its dangerous dog ordinance. Several months ago, one council member proposed placing restrictions on "pit bull" ownership despite the fact that New York’s dangerous dog law prohibits such legislation. The AKC opposed the move in a letter to the mayor and city council. The Canine Legislation department sent a second statement of opposition upon learning that the city was now considering a vague definition of "dangerous dog"--one that includes "all breeds who might attack, as well as those who might frighten by barking or growling at someone." AKC supports reasonable, enforceable dangerous dog laws that include measurable criteria for determining a dog dangerous.
- Suffolk County officials recently approved legislation allowing the establishment of off-leash parks in the area. Previously, it was illegal to permit a dog to run loose in county parks. Kudos to the many local fanciers who campaigned nearly a year for this change. AKC supported their efforts.
OHIO - In August, Cincinnati’s City Council voted to reinstate their ban on "pit bulls." Effective November 1, 2003, the ordinance requires current owners of pit bulls (which include Staffordshire Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers) to microchip and tattoo their animals. They must also obtain $50,000 liability insurance. Residents are not permitted to bring new pit bulls into the city after November 1.
Fanciers successfully fought for an end to the ban in 1999 in favor of strict care conditions for pit bulls that included registration of the animals. Several recent dog attacks prompted the city to revisit the measure. City officials claimed that owners were not complying with the registration requirement, leaving them no choice but to reinstate the ban. Local dog owners and the Canine Legislation department argued in favor of more reasonable dangerous dog laws, pointing out that irresponsible owners who did not comply with existing laws would not comply with new ones either.
PENNSYLVANIA - Following a dog attack in Bethlehem, city officials are considering a new dangerous dog ordinance. The law will not target specific breeds but will require owners of dogs deemed dangerous to muzzle their animals and keep them on a 3-4 foot leash when in public. Owners will also be required to obtain liability insurance and post warning signs on their property. Fines for violators have yet to be established.
SOUTH CAROLINA - Charleston dogs could soon have more room to run if the city approves a proposed dog park. AKC sent materials and a letter of support to the Parks Director in July.
TENNESSEE - Congratulations to Nashville fanciers on their successful defeat of the city’s proposed "dog tax" on intact animals! Please see feature article on page 1 for more details.
- The Lynnville City Council has enacted legislation making it unlawful to own, keep, train, or possess a Rottweiler, "pit bull," Chow Chow, Doberman Pinscher or German Shepherd Dog. Current residents will be grandfathered in but must comply with fencing requirements. Violators will be fined $25-50. Neither local dog owners nor the AKC had advance notice about the measure, but all are working to try and have it repealed. The Canine Legislation department sent a statement of opposition to the mayor in August.
TEXAS - Effective August 1st, the San Antonio Animal Control facility terminated its agreement with all purebred dog rescue organizations. The San Antonio facility is now the only animal control facility in Texas that refuses to work with purebred rescue in any capacity. Instead, all purebreds impounded by the city will be held for 3 working days, then will go to the Animal Control Facility’s Adoption Kennel or be transferred directly to the Humane Society of Bexar County or Animal Defense League.
Outraged by the decision, the Responsible Pet Owners Alliance (RPOA) organized a campaign to draw attention to the issue. A very successful "Rescuers Rally" and press conference was held on August 7th on the steps of city hall. Additionally, an online petition was started, and rescuers from all over the country contacted the city council to express their opposition. The Canine Legislation department supported their efforts by sending a statement to the mayor and city council. RPOA and fellow rescuers also spoke out at a city council meeting in mid-August. For more information on how you can help, contact Mary Beth Duerler, President, RPOA (rpoa@texas.net, 210-738-2273).
- The City of Round Rock is considering a proposal to limit residents to four pets per household. AKC provided local fanciers with materials and also expressed its concerns in a letter to the city council.
- The Bellaire City Council has given initial approval to the establishment of a dog park. Fundraising efforts to support the park’s development are now underway.
- The City of Lindale is also considering a dog park. The Canine legislation department sent materials and a statement of support to the mayor in July.
VIRGINIA - Hanover County dog owners will soon have a new place to exercise and socialize their dogs. Animal control officials announced in August that plans for a dog park have been approved and work on it will begin shortly.
AUSTRALIA - In light of a recent report by animal behaviorist Dr. Kersti Seksel, officials in New South Wales have decided not to enact breed-specific legislation. The report, which was commissioned by the Minister for Local Government, found that "breed alone is a poor indicator of whether a dog is going to be aggressive towards humans." The report also noted the ineffectiveness of such legislation at reducing overall numbers of dog bites. In presenting her findings to the Australian Veterinary Association, Dr. Seksel cautioned against the "misguided approach" of relying only on breed-specific legislation, rather than on enforcement of reasonable dangerous dog laws, to prevent putting communities at risk for dog attacks.
Did You Know?
Planning a trip to the United Kingdom? Dog owners who want to bring their pets with them now have several options when it comes to traveling across the pond. Air Canada, the first North American airline to be accepted by the Pet Travel Scheme, flies dogs from six Canadian airports--Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, St. Johns, Vancouver and Ottawa--to London Heathrow. Operating on the West Coast, Virgin Atlantic ships dogs into Heathrow from Los Angeles. Finally, Britannia Cargo offers a route from Sanford, Florida to London Gatwick with certain restrictions. Dogs entering the UK must be vaccinated against and successfully tested for rabies. They must also be microchipped and be treated for ticks and tapeworm 1-2 days prior to travel. Owners must provide certification for all of the above.
