ARKANSAS – McGeehee officials are currently considering revisions to the city’s dangerous dog ordinance. AKC sent materials and a letter stating our opposition to breed-specific legislation to the mayor and the board of alderman. The Canine Legislation department will continue to monitor this situation closely, and we encourage local fanciers to do the same.

– The North Little Rock City Council is considering a breed-specific dangerous dog ordinance that would ban new “pit bulls,” Staffordshire Terriers, American Staffordshire terriers and American Bull Dogs from the city. The measure would further require current owners of those breeds to register their dogs with the city and obtain $100,000 in liability insurance. The Canine Legislation department sent a letter of opposition and materials to the mayor and city council. For more information, contact Kim Grandison.

CALIFORNIA – Officials in Stanislaus County may soon consider a new animal control ordinance that may include a breeder licensing proposal. AKC sent a letter of concern 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.

GEORGIA – Thanks to the hard work of countless volunteers, dogs in Macon now have a new place to play. The Macon Dog Park officially opened on October 30. For more information, click here.

IOWA – In spite of strong opposition from local dog owners, Council Bluffs officials continue to consider a breed-specific dangerous dog ordinance. A third reading of the proposal is scheduled for early November. The Canine Legislation department reiterated its opposition to breed-specific laws in a letter to the mayor and city council, and it is critical that local fanciers to do the same. For additional information on how you can help fight this measure, contact Phyllis Gasper or Darlene Kofoed.

– In October, Fairfield officials approved a breed-specific ordinance that automatically classifies American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Doberman Pinschers, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes as dangerous dogs. AKC sent a letter of opposition and materials to the mayor and city council and worked with local dog owners to oppose the measure.

– The Monticello Council for Responsible Pet Ownership reports that the city council recently approved a breed-specific dangerous dog ordinance that automatically deems American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers dangerous dogs. The measure passed despite strong opposition from AKC and local fanciers. For more information on what you can do to help oppose breed-specific legislation in Iowa, please contact the Monticello Council for Responsible Pet Ownership.

KANSAS – The Leavenworth City Commission continues to consider revisions to the city’s dangerous dog ordinance. AKC has contacted city officials to voice our support of reasonable dangerous dog legislation, and we encourage local fanciers to do the same. For City Commissioner contact information, click here.

MARYLAND – Mount Rainier officials are considering the repeal of the city’s current two-dog limit. The Canine Legislation department sent materials in support of the repeal to members of the city council and local fanciers. A public hearing on the issue is scheduled for November 9. For more information, contact Adrianne Lefkowitz.

MASSACHUSETTS – The City of Malden may soon consider a breed-specific ordinance that automatically deems “pit bulls,” Rottweilers, Chow Chows, Doberman Pinschers, Shar-Peis and wolf-hybrids as “animals of concern.” Animals of concern must be registered with the city, spayed or neutered and be microchipped. The Canine Legislation department sent a letter of opposition and information packets to city officials and will continue to monitor the situation closely. For additional information, contact the Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Owners or Charlotte McGowan.

– Due to strong opposition from concerned dog owners, New Bedford officials recently voted to table a proposed breed-specific dangerous dog ordinance in order to research the issue further. AKC sent a letter and materials opposing such legislation. Congratulations to those working to oppose this measure. For more information, contact Lisa Quinn.

NEW JERSEY– In October, the Canine Legislation department sent a letter to Assembly Majority Leader Joe Roberts asking for his support on A2373, a bill prohibiting insurance providers from discriminating against homeowners based on a dog’s breed. New Jersey fanciers are strongly encouraged to contact Asm. Roberts, as well as their own assembly member, in a similar light. To find your legislator’s contact information, click here.

– Although it has not seen movement since its introduction in June, Sen. James’ S1718 is very much alive. The bill would allow municipalities to require special licenses for “pit bulls,” American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers and any dog of a “pit bull type.” S1718 also requires these breeds to be leashed and muzzled when off the owner’s property and confined in a permanent enclosure that must be inspected monthly by animal control. The bill also requires owners to obtain liability insurance. The Canine Legislation department urges concerned dog owners to contact members of the Senate Committee on Economic Growth, Agriculture and Tourism and voice their opposition to this restrictive bill. Contact information for committee members is available here.

– The Morris Area Responsible Dog Owners Group (MARDOG) reports that Morris County officials have agreed to make the dog run at Lewis Morris Park permanent. Congratulations to all those who worked to make the park a reality. For more information, contact MARDOG.

– Princeton borough officials may soon consider a proposal that would permit animal control officers to declare a dog “menacing” if it “poses a threat of bodily injury or death to a human being.” Once a dog is declared menacing, owners must secure the dog in an approved enclosure or keep the dog leashed and muzzled when off the owner’s property. Owners must also obtain $100,00 in liability insurance. Violators would be subject to a fine of up to $500 and community service. The Canine Legislation department is monitoring the situation with local fanciers.

For additional information on any New Jersey legislation, contact the New Jersey Federation of Dog Clubs.

SOUTH CAROLINA – Irmo dogs and their owners recently celebrated the opening of the Barking Lot, a new community dog park. The park is the second in the area and is open to members for a fee of $35 per year. For more information, call the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission at (803-772-3336).

TEXAS – Corpus Christi officials continue to consider revisions to the city’s animal control laws. While breeder licensing has been removed from the latest draft of the proposal, concerns remain that such provisions could return. Fanciers are also concerned about provisions on animal limits, commercial animal facility requirements and mandatory spay/neuter following impoundment. AKC and local fanciers continue to monitor the situation closely. For more information contact Barbara Beynon, Corpus Christi Kennel Club, or the Responsible Pet Owners Alliance.

WISCONSIN – Before AKC or local fanciers were aware, Lancaster officials approved an ordinance banning “pit bulls,” American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and American Pit Bull Terriers from the city. 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.

UNITED STATES – In October, Rep. Green’s H4264 was amended by the House Judiciary Committee. The bill would make it illegal to sponsor or exhibit an animal fighting venture if the animal was moved by interstate or foreign commerce. The bill further prohibits the selling, buying or transporting of animals through interstate or foreign commerce. Amendments include a provision that would make it illegal to use the US Postal Service to promote an animal fighting venture. A similar bill, Sen. Specter’s S2908, was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

CANADA – Despite strong opposition from concerned dog owners and canine groups, Ontario Attorney General Michael Bryant formally introduced legislation that would ban the breeding, selling or import of “pit bulls” and would strengthen restrictions for existing owners of the breed throughout the province. The Canine Legislation department sent a letter of opposition and materials to province officials in September and will continue to support the opposition efforts of concerned dog owners.