ARKANSAS – The City of Bentonville has tabled a proposed ordinance which would ban “pit bulls,” defined as American Staffordshire Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers, and Stafforshire Bull Terriers, from the city. After receiving letters from several groups and model legislation from AKC, the city attorney asked the council to table the ordinance in order to evaluate other options. Concerned dog owners are encouraged to contact City Hall in support of a strong dangerous dog ordinance that is not breed-specific.

CALIFORNIA – Governor Schwarzenegger has signed SB861 into law. Beginning January 1, 2006 local governments will be able to pass breed-specific mandatory spay/neuter ordinances, and several have already announced their intentions to enact such measures. AKC encourages all dog owners to remain vigilant for these types of proposals and to begin preparing grassroots opposition campaigns now. As a responsible dog owner there are many ways that you can help monitor your community:

• Subscribe to your local newspaper and/or watch your local news for animal-related stories.
• Frequently check city and county council agendas. Many municipalities have websites where you can read about upcoming agenda items.
• Build and maintain good relationships with local government officials. Consider inviting them to present an award at a dog show, attend a club meeting, or anything else that helps them learn about our sport.

Should a discriminatory measure be introduced in your community, please contact AKC’s Canine Legislation department (doglaw@akc.org) for assistance. The Canine Legislation department has materials to assist you including information packets, model legislation and brochures to improve your lobbying skills. We can also write letters to elected officials on behalf of responsible dog owners.

Many thanks to everyone who took the time to contact their elected officials, in many cases more than once, in opposition to SB861. AKC will continue to work with fanciers to support reasonable, non-discriminatory measures that keep communities safe for both people and pets.

- Governor Schwarzenegger has also signed SB914, a bill to prohibit the sale of puppies under eight weeks old without written approval of a veterinarian.

- The City of Vallejo is considering rewriting its dangerous dog ordinance. Although the city declined to take a position on SB861, it is preparing two draft ordinances; one containing breed-specific language and one that is generic. AKC sent a letter opposing breed-specific legislation and provided model legislation to local officials.

- The City of Oakland has enacted an animal limit law that will limit residents to three dogs. Prior to passage, AKC sent a letter explaining our opposition to limit laws and copies of our “Animal Limit Laws: Better Alternatives” brochures to members of the City Council. Local fanciers and The Animal Council opposed the bill as well.

- Following San Mateo County’s adoption of stronger dangerous dog laws, incorporated cities are required to review and adopt similar legislation. As part of this process, however, the City of Millbrae is considering additional restrictive provisions beyond care conditions for dangerous dogs. These include differential licensing for unaltered animals, breeder permits and a limit law. The Canine Legislation department sent a statement to city council members in October noting our opposition to unreasonable breeding restrictions and to unfair limits on responsible pet ownership. For more information, contact The Animal Council.

- The Contra Costa Board of Supervisors is considering an ordinance that would require owners of dangerous or potentially dangerous dogs to obtain a permit for their animal. The proposal establishes appeals processes for both designations and specifies how dangerous and potentially dangerous dogs must be housed and cared for. This proposal also requires convicted felons to obtain a permit for any dog that weighs more than twenty pounds, has been designated dangerous or potentially dangerous, or that has been determined by the animal services director to pose a threat to public safety.

COLORADO - The City of Aurora has given initial approval to a proposal to ban “pit bulls” (defined as American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers), as well as American Bulldogs, Dogo Argentinos, Canary Dogs, Ca De Bous, Tosa Inus and Cane Corso breeds. The ordinance would allow owners of these breeds already living in Aurora to keep their animals if they register them within 60 days, pay a $200 license fee, obtain a $100,000 liability insurance policy, and spay or neuter them. AKC has sent a letter explaining our opposition to breed-specific legislation to city officials, along with model legislation we feel to be reasonable. A final vote on this proposal is expected sometime in November, although an exact date has not yet been announced.

CONNECTICUT – The City of Trumbull has passed a new law allowing animal control officers the power to deem dogs dangerous or vicious. The new ordinance provides a variety of remedies if the dog is found dangerous, including euthanasia, and allows owners to appeal a designation to an appeals board composed of a veterinarian, the police chief and a dog behavior specialist.

FLORIDA - Palm Beach County has adopted changes to its local dangerous dog law, which now requires that appeals be made to a “special master” rather than the Animal Care and Control Hearing Board. The qualifications for an individual to be appointed as a special master are not spelled out in the legislation, although the commissioners have said that a county attorney will assume the role when necessary.

- The Village of Tequesta continues to consider an ordinance to ban “pit bulls.” The move comes after a neighborhood group assembled a petition after a “pit bull” injured another dog. AKC sent a letter to members of the Village Council opposing breed-specific legislation and reminding them that such an ordinance would contravene Florida’s state dangerous dog law prohibiting breed-specific legislation. For more information about how to get involved, please contact moderatorfloridapetlaw@hotmail.com.

ILLINOIS – As she has done in the past, Chicago Alderwoman Rugai is once again pursuing a “pit bull” ban, this time under the same home rule authority that allowed Denver to ban these dogs. (Both Illinois and Colorado have state laws which prohibit local governments from enacting breed-specific legislation.) AKC has worked closely over the years with Chicago’s Board of Aldermen, Department of Animal Control, and local fanciers to oppose breed-specific legislation and will continue to do so now. Area dog owners are encouraged to monitor the situation closely.

IOWA – The City of West Union is considering a proposal to ban “pit bulls,” defined as Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers or any dog that has similar characteristics to these breeds. AKC has sent a letter opposing breed-specific ordinances, as well as model dangerous dog legislation, to the mayor and members of the city council.

MAINE – Several bills of interest have been prefiled in Maine for the 2006 session. LR2527 would prohibit insurance companies from refusing to issue or renew homeowner’s insurance to people who own dogs. LR2545 would repeal a $25 surcharge on the sale of non-neutered animals that was passed without AKC’s knowledge in the 2005 session. Rep. Churchill has filed LR2877, which would prohibit bear hunting with dogs in organized territories.

MARYLAND – In a disappointing move, Prince George’s County Council rejected a proposed repeal of its breed-specific ordinance, which bans “pit bulls” - defined as American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers and any dog exhibiting the physical characteristics of these breeds. AKC, the Maryland Dog Federation and countless responsible dog owners fought for several years to repeal the ban and have vowed to continue opposition efforts. For more information, contact the Maryland Dog Federation.

MASSACHUSETTS – The Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Business has sent H3672, a bill to require pet shops to provide information on basic care to consumers, to the House Ways and Means Committee with a recommendation of “Ought to Pass.”

MICHIGAN – Rep. Caswell has introduced H5231, a bill to require an owner whose dog has killed a domestic animal to show cause to why their dog should not be euthanized. Another dangerous dog bill, Rep. Magesis’s H5252, would establish penalties for fleeing the scene of a dog bite and for failing to provide assistance to the bitten individual. Both bills have been assigned to the House Judiciary Committee.

- Rep. Bieda has introduced HR139 to encourage shelters to adopt a “no-kill” philosophy and to promote low-cost spay/neuter and community education programs. The resolution will be heard by the House Committee on Government Operations.

- Congratulations to concerned dog owners in Cass County for their success in persuading the Animal Control Ordinance Review Committee to adopt a generic dangerous dog law in place of proposed breed-specific legislation. The initial proposal would have declared “pit bulls,” defined as American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers and American Pit Bull Terriers, to be dangerous dogs. Due to quick notification by a local dog owners, AKC was able to get a letter opposing the breed-specific language to committee members, and local dog owners were able to hand-deliver dangerous dog packets with model legislation to committee members.

NEW JERSEY – Senator Sweeney is sponsoring S2745, a bill to require that all animals released from shelters or pounds be sterilized. The bill also establishes a penalty for noncompliance. S2745 does allow exceptions for AKC and CFA “registered breeders,” despite the fact that these organizations do not register breeders. The New Jersey Federation of Dog Clubs notes that the language is very similar to that of Assemblywoman Greenstein’s H3219. The federation is already working with the Assemblywoman regarding that bill’s problematic language and will pursue similar action with Sen. Sweeney. For more information on these and other issues in New Jersey please contact the New Jersey Federation of Dog Clubs.

NEW MEXICO – Councilwoman Sally Mayer of Albuquerque continues to refine her HEART ordinance, a complete rewrite of the city’s animal code. The current proposal includes a prohibition on chaining or tethering, provisions for intact companion animal permits, and strict requirements for what constitutes proper care of animals. The ordinance also establishes a definition for and regulation of commercial breeder facilities. Commercial breeder facilities are defined as any facilities in any zone other than a residential zone that are used for breeding and care of newborn animals. The measure also establishes limit of 6 companion animals- 4 of the same species - which can be waived if a person obtains a special permit. A person may not maintain more than two intact companion animals of the same species, even with a permit. AKC has been working closely with local fanciers to oppose the measure, but more help is needed. Albuquerque residents should contact their councilmembers today if they have not done so already, and urge them to vote “no” on this measure. For more information, contact the Rio Grande Kennel Club.

NORTH CAROLINA – The Mayor Pro-Tem of Marion has introduced a proposal to ban Rottweilers, “pit bulls,” and any dog with “vicious tendencies.” The term “pit bull” was not defined in the original proposal. AKC has notified local officials of our opposition to breed-specific legislation and have provided them with model dangerous dog legislation.

TEXAS – The City of El Paso is again considering revisions to its animal control ordinance, including a $75 litter permit and a limit of one litter per year. Additionally, the proposal mandates microchipping and allows animal control officers to go door-to-door to enforce provisions of the ordinance. Fanciers are urged to immediately contact their city council members and ask them to request that these sections be removed from the proposal.

- Although no member of the Austin City Council has yet committed to sponsoring a mandatory spay/neuter ordinance proposed by the Animal Advisory Commission, local dog owners are encouraged to inform their representatives of their opposition to this type of legislation. Under the proposal, exceptions would be allowed only if the animal is deemed medically unsuited to the procedure, if the animal is kept in Austin less than 30 days in one year, or if the owner purchases a $100 intact animal permit. The proposal also includes a $500 litter permit. The AKC has provided local fanciers with materials and sent a letter of opposition to city officials. Purebred dog owners are working hard, but many more voices are needed.

Please contact the Responsible Pet Owners Alliance at for more information on how you can help in El Paso or Austin.

WASHINGTON – The Tacoma City Council’s Public Safety and Human Services Committee is considering changes to the city’s dangerous dog ordinance. It is possible that the committee may consider some form of breed-specific legislation. AKC has sent a statement opposing breed-specific legislation and encouraging the committee to instead consider strong generic dangerous dog legislation. Local dog owners are encouraged to attend a public meeting on November 16th at 3:30 in Room 248 of Tacoma City Hall (747 Market St, Tacoma, WA). To find out how you can assist in Tacoma please contact the Doberman Pinscher Club of America.

WEST VIRGINIA – The City of Charleston is considering strengthening its dangerous dog ordinance with a possible view toward breed-specific legislation. Concerned dog owners should contact ColbyH304@aol.com to find out how they can help ensure that Charleston adopts a fair and enforceable dangerous dog law.

WISCONSIN – The City of Eau Claire is considering a ban on “pit bulls.” The current proposal does not define which breeds would be included in the ban. AKC sent a letter explaining our opposition to breed-specific legislation, as well as model materials to members of the City Council.

UNITED STATES – The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry has announced that its Subcommittee on Research, Nutrition and General Legislation will hold a hearing to discuss the Pet Animal Welfare Statute of 2005 (PAWS) on November 8, 2005. Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA), the Subcommittee Chairman, will chair the hearing. The hearing will consist of two panels of witnesses, one representing Animal Interest Groups, on which the AKC has been invited to appear, and the other representing Animal Welfare Groups. Chairman of the Board Ron Menaker will represent and testify on behalf of the AKC at the hearing.

As you may recall, Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) are sponsoring S1139, also known as PAWS. This legislation will bring under coverage of the federal Animal Welfare Act individuals who breed and sell large numbers of dogs, as well as those who import large numbers of dogs for resale. AKC has established a PAWS Information Center on our website to provide fanciers with answers to frequently asked questions and access to all documents related to PAWS.

Rep. Lantos has introduced HR 3858, a bill requiring that state and local emergency preparedness plans address the needs of those with household pets and service animals. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. AKC expects additional bills to come forward to address this issue. We support this concept and will review upcoming legislation to determine official support.

Rep. Berry’s HR 3677, legislation that would temporarily suspend the tax on dog accessories, has been referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.