CALIFORNIA – Following a public hearing on Tuesday, December 14, members of the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors approved a new animal control ordinance by a vote of four to one. Following strong opposition to the initial proposal at a hearing in late November, the Board amended the ordinance by reducing the proposed unaltered animal license from $100 to $28 for those who are active members of state or national clubs that participate in conformation, agility, training and hunting events. Those who operate a ranch or farm on more than two acres also qualify for the reduced fee.

The ordinance still requires breeders to purchase a $100 breeding permit and limits them to one litter per year. Breeders must include their permit number in any puppy sale advertisements and are further required to microchip their dogs or cats and register them with the Department of Animal Services. The ordinance also directs breeders to provide the Department of Animal Services with the contact information for the animal's new owner within five days of the sale or transfer. Any owner or breeder in violation of these provisions must provide proof of sterilization and microchipping or be subject to a $500 fine. Failure to include permit numbers in any advertisement for sale or transfer is punishable by a $100 fine for the first occurrence, $200 for the second offense and $300 for each subsequent offense.

Noting continued opposition to the ordinance, the Board of Supervisors plans to review the impact of the ordinance on the county’s pet population concerns at regular intervals. Currently, the ordinance only applies to unincorporated areas of the county. However, AKC and local fanciers will continue to monitor the situation closely as cities within Stanislaus County will likely consider implementing the ordinance in the future. For more information, contact The Animal Council.

– Likely using the Stanislaus ordinance as their model, officials in Madera County are considering a proposed animal control ordinance that includes a $100 annual license for intact dogs or cats over the age of four months and a $100 breeding permit. The ordinance also uses the term “guardian” interchangeably with owner. The Canine Legislation department sent a letter outlining AKC’s opposition to breeding restrictions and the use of the term “guardian” to the Board of Supervisors in December. Local fanciers are encouraged to attend a public hearing on the issue at the Madera County Government Center on Tuesday, January 11 at 9:00 AM. For more information on how you can help oppose the measure, contact The Animal Council.

– In early January, Modesto officials will consider a breeding permit ordinance similar to the one recently approved in Stanislaus County. The Canine Legislation department sent a letter of opposition to the Modesto mayor and city council and we encourage local fanciers to do the same. For contact information, please click here.

– Late in 2004, Roseville officials approved an ordinance allowing dog owners to walk their leashed pets in some of the city’s developed walking trails. The new ordinance lifted a 25 year-old ban on dogs, even leashed ones, from the city’s parks.

– In December, before AKC was aware, the City of Watsonville adopted an ordinance that requires dogs and cats over the age of six months to be spayed or neutered. Exemptions are provided for service dogs and those used in law enforcement, as breeding stock or livestock guardians. Animals with health concerns due to illness or age may also be excluded from the requirement with a veterinarian’s approval. Owners provided exemptions must obtain an unaltered animal certificate. Under the new law owners of unaltered animals are limited to one litter per year and must display their unaltered animal certificate number in any puppy or kitten sale advertisements.

COLORADO – In December, the Denver District Court upheld the city’s 15-year ban on “pit bulls” and related breeds. The court’s decision stated that “home rule” gives Denver the right to ban certain breeds of dogs, despite a new state law that prohibits cities and counties from enacting breed-specific laws.

– Before AKC or local fanciers were aware, Glenwood Springs officials approved an ordinance that limits residents to three dogs and three cats per household. The City Council continues to consider a ban on wolf-hybrids.

FLORIDA – Officials in Pembroke Pines recently approved an ordinance that classifies dogs as vicious after one bite and requires the owners of those dogs to obtain $300,000 in liability insurance. The Canine Legislation Department sent a letter to city officials supporting reasonable dangerous dog laws but voicing concern that the ordinance punishes owners equally for very different offenses. For example, an owner whose dog bites an animal while playing could face the same strict penalty as the owner of a dog that has seriously injured another animal or person. For more information, contact Diane Makinney.

ILLINOIS – The Pekin City Council is considering an ordinance that limits residents to a total of three dogs or cats 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.

NEBRASKA – Kudos to the Seward City Council, who recently voted against an ordinance banning specific breeds. Instead, city officials approved a strict but breed-generic dangerous dog ordinance. In late 2004, AKC sent a statement and materials to the mayor and city council in support of more reasonable, enforceable dangerous dog legislation, and we applaud the city’s effort in this regard.

NEW JERSEY – Asm. Gusciora’s A3578 has been referred to the Assembly Committee on Law and Public Safety. The bill requires any animal that has been trained, tormented, badgered, baited or encouraged to attack people or domestic animals to be confiscated from its owner or trainer. In addition, A3578 provides that any individual who has had an animal removed for any of the above listed reasons would not be permitted to own, harbor, adopt, or reside with an animal for a period of two years without posting a $550,000 bond. Those found violating this act would be subject to a fine of $2,000.

– Sen. Allen’s S801 was sent to the governor in December. The bill, which was substituted for a similar bill (A1087) increases penalties for injuring or killing animals used in law enforcement or search and rescue. S801 makes it a crime of the third degree to kill a law enforcement or search and rescue dog and a crime of the fourth degree to injure one.

NEW MEXICO – Sen. Sue Wilson Beffort has announced plans to introduce legislation to ban the breeding of “pit bulls” in the state. The legislation, currently in draft form only, defines pit bulls as pit bull terriers, American pit bull terriers, or dogs identified as such. The measure will require pit bulls to be spayed or neutered and be subject to strict care and keeping regulations. No new pit bulls will be allowed to enter the state. Additionally, breeds including Akitas, Boxers, Chow Chows, Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes, German Shepherds and Rottweilers will be classified as dangerous dogs, and their owners will be assessed an additional $500 fee if the dog bites a person. The Canine Legislation department is working closely with New Mexico dog clubs, Legislative Liaisons, fanciers and elected officials to oppose the breed-specific measure in favor of a more reasonable dangerous dog law. A statement has been sent to Sen. Wilson Beffort opposing the poorly-written legislation, and we will continue to monitor the situation closely. For more information, contact the Rio Grande Kennel Club.

– Edgewood officials may soon consider a breed-specific dangerous dog ordinance. AKC sent a letter opposing breed-specific laws and materials to the mayor and city council in December.

NORTH CAROLINA – The Charlotte City Council recently voted to strengthen the city’s dangerous dog law. The new law provides that animal control officers may now spay or neuter dogs that are deemed dangerous. It also allows for the doubling of animal-related fines more than 30 days overdue. Pet owners may now only keep two dogs or cats outside without obtaining a permit. For more information, contact Dale Maddox-Geddis, North Carolina Dog Federation.

UTAH – In December, Provo officials voted to allow residents to own up to two dogs and two cats at the same time. Previously residents were limited to a total of two cats or dogs.

WASHINGTON – Officials in Pasco are currently considering a breed-specific dangerous dog ordinance that would require owners of “pit bulls,” Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers to purchase an annual $250 permit and obtain $250,000 in liability insurance. The Canine Legislation department sent materials and a statement opposing the ordinance to the mayor, city council, and city administrators. AKC and local dog owners are monitoring the situation closely.