ARKANSAS – In November, the North Little Rock City Council approved a breed-specific dangerous dog ordinance that bans new “pit bulls,” Staffordshire Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers and American Bull Dogs from the city. The measure further requires current owners of these breeds to register their dogs with the city and obtain $100,000 in liability insurance. The Canine Legislation department worked with concerned dog owners to oppose the ordinance. For more information, contact Kim Grandison.

CALIFORNIA – Officials in Stanislaus County are considering a proposed animal control ordinance with provisions including a $100 annual license for intact dogs or cats over the age of four months and a $100 breeding permit. The ordinance would limit breeders to no more than one litter per year and would require them to microchip their dogs or cats and register them with the Department of Animal Services. The Canine Legislation department sent a second letter reiterating AKC’s opposition to breeding restrictions to the board of supervisors and will continue to monitor the situation closely. We urge local fanciers to do the same. For more information contact The Animal Council or click here.

IOWA – In November, before AKC or local fanciers were aware, Carter Lake officials quietly approved a breed-specific ordinance that bans new “pit bulls” including Staffordshire Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers from the city. Current owners will be able to keep their dogs if they obtain $100,000 in liability insurance and have the dog spayed or neutered.

MINNESOTA – The Harmony City Council is considering an ordinance that limits residents to a total of three dogs per household. The Canine Legislation department sent a letter opposing animal limits to city officials last month and encourages local dog owners to do the same.

NEW JERSEY– AR216, a resolution introduced by Asm. DeCroce, urges the U.S. Postal service and the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee to issue a stamp honoring the U.S. Army’s canine corps. AR216 was referred to the Assembly Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources.

– Sen. Asselta’s S2012 has been referred to the Senate Committee on Economic Growth, Agriculture, and Tourism. The bill provides for civil action in cases of cruelty for domestic animals and allows owners to seek civil damages.

NORTH CAROLINA – Davidson dogs and their owners recently celebrated the opening of a new one-acre dog park. All dogs using the park must have a Town of Davidson dog tag, which can be acquired at Town Hall upon presentation of a current rabies certificate and a $10 fee. For more information, click here.

– Wilmington officials may soon consider a breed-specific dangerous dog ordinance. The Canine Legislation department sent a letter and materials to city officials and is working with local fanciers to oppose the measure.

PENNSYLVANIA – Rep. Daley is sponsoring H2951, a bill that strengthens penalties for the owners of dangerous dogs that fail to properly restrain or register their dogs. The bill further provides for increases in penalties for owners whose dogs injure or kill a human. Additionally, H2951 provides for the regulation of “potentially dangerous dogs.” Under the bill’s provisions any individual that kills, injures or causes or procures the death or injury of a companion animal may be liable for punitive damages of up to $2,500. Finally, the legislation would allow owners to sue for damages if their pet is willfully, recklessly or negligently injured or killed. Such damages include mental anguish and emotional distress, veterinary care, burial expenses and court costs. H2951 was referred to the House Committee on Judiciary.

– Dog owners in Lansdowne are lobbying their town’s officials to establish to the community’s first off-leash dog park. The Canine Legislation sent a letter supporting their efforts to town officials in November.

OKLAHOMA – Newkirk officials have tabled an ordinance banning “pit bulls” from the city in order to research the issue further. Local dog owners are fighting the ban, and the Canine Legislation department noted its own opposition in a statement to the mayor and city council.

TEXAS – Rep. Edwards recently announced plans to draft legislation to regulate “vicious” breeds of dogs, including Rottweilers and “pit bulls.” Rep. Edwards indicated his bill, which would be introduced in 2005, would require owners of certain breeds to register their dogs, obtain $300,000 in liability insurance, participate in training classes, and face felony criminal charges if their dog attacks someone. AKC supports the strong enforcement of Texas’s current dangerous dog law, which precludes labeling a dog as vicious based solely on breed. The Canine Legislation department sent a letter to Rep. Edwards opposing the legislation, and we encourage concerned fanciers to do the same. Contact Rep. Edwards at:

Representative Al Edwards
Texas House of Representativea
4913 Griggs Road
Houston, TX 77021
Phone: 713-741-8800

For more information, contact the Responsible Pet Owners Alliance.

WASHINGTON – Owners of dangerous dogs in Lakewood must now carry $250,000 in liability insurance. A dog is considered dangerous if it seriously injures a person or kills a pet without provocation. City officials also approved an ordinance requiring owners to clean up after their pets in all public areas. Violators could be fined up to $75 for the first offense, up to $125 for the second offense and $250 for each subsequent offense.

GREAT BRITAIN – In November, legislation banning fox-hunting with dogs became law despite opposition from the House of Lords. The ban, which takes effect in February, has been heavily debated in Parliament for the last two years. Hunting advocates have vowed to fight the ban in court.