The AKC Government Relations Department is pleased to assist dog owners with canine legislation issues in their local communities, but we can’t help unless we are aware of the proposal. Please contact us at (919) 816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org when new laws are discussed or introduced in your city or county. We will provide you with resources and tools to help defend the rights of dog owners and support responsible dog ownership in your community.
Here are some examples of the local issues currently being addressed by AKC GR:
CA, Los Angeles – is considering changes that would remove numeric limits on pet ownership limits and change zoning ordinances to would allow retail pet stores in commercially zoned areas. The changes would also encourage pet retailers to provide dogs from rescue organizations, along with shelter animals. AKC GR has prepared a response offering assistance in drafting ordinance language.
CA, The Los Angeles Board of Animal Services – is considering a plan to only use plant-based (vegan) dog food at the city’s six animal shelters. AKC GR is monitoring the issue and will comment if necessary.
CA, The West Hollywood City Council – has directed city staff to investigate and draft ordinances establishing standards and requirements for animal groomers. AKC GR will reach out to the city to offer its expertise on this topic.
CO, Boulder – Media reports indicate that an effort will likely be made to put a measure on the city’s November 2018 ballot to ban certain types of tethering, including choke collars, prong collars and shock collars. No official language is yet available and AKC GR is monitoring this issue.
GA, Forsyth County – Forsyth County Commission Chair Todd Levent and Commissioner Cindy Jones Mills will hold a meeting with stakeholders on Friday, January 12 at 10:00 a.m. regarding proposed amendments to the county animal control ordinance. Click here for meeting information and a link to the revised proposed ordinance. The proposal would require “animal handler permits” for employees of kennels, grooming, training, boarding, and other broadly-defined “animal care facilities.” It would also restrict the court’s discretion regarding penalties for animal cruelty and neglect violations, and would further restrict humane tethering of dogs. Read AKC’s previous legislative alert, and note that the proposed fees have been amended.
NY, Onondaga County – The county is considering regulations that would limit the circumstances in which a dog may be humanely tethered outside. As proposed, it could impact field trials and other outdoor activities with dogs. AKC is working closely with local clubs to address concerns with this proposal, which is expected to be considered by the county soon.