ALABAMA – S82 passed the House Judiciary Committee and now proceeds to the full House. The bill establishes a procedure by which a dog can be declared dangerous, provides an appeal process and requires that a dog found to be a significant threat to public health and safety be humanely euthanized. Owners of dangerous dogs may be fined up $300 for the first offense and $600 for a second offense. The dog is also required to be registered with the city or county for an unspecified fee.

CALIFORNIA – The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has given tentative approval to a new mandatory spay/neuter ordinance for all dogs. Exceptions are made only if the dog is a law enforcement dog, a service animal or qualifies as a “competition dog.” In addition, owners of intact animals that qualify are required to purchase a $60 permit for each dog. AKC is working with local fanciers and concerned dog owners to oppose this measure. To find out more details about this proposal and how you can help please read our Legislative Alert.

- Sen. Lowenthal’s SB 1578 passed the Senate Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development and now proceeds to the Senate Appropriations Committee. The bill prohibits tethering, chaining or tying a dog to a tree, house or stationary object.

- Asm. Hancock’s AB 2110 has passed the Assembly Public Safety Committee with amendments. “Field coursing,” has been changed to “live field coursing” and is defined as “a competition in which dogs are, by the use of rabbits, hares, or foxes, assessed as to skill in hunting live rabbits, hares, or foxes.” The bill now outlaws AKC Basset Hound, Beagle and Dachshund Field Trials. The original bill language targeted events where the rabbit, hare or fox were killed. In AKC events, dogs track the scent of the rabbit, but do not kill the animal. Fanciers and concerned dog owners are asked to contact their representative in the state assembly immediately to oppose this legislation as it is currently drafted. The Assembly Appropriations Committee will now consider the bill.

- The Berkley Citizens Humane Commission is considering an ordinance to require "pit bull" owners in the city to spay or neuter their dogs unless they obtain a $100 breeding permit and comply with a host of regulations. The ordinance defines "pit bulls" as American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers and any dog displaying the physical traits of these breeds. For more information on this proposal, please see our Legislative Alert.

CONNECTICUT – The Joint Committee on Environment is sponsoring H5743, a bill to establish a training and certification program for municipal animal control officers. The Joint Committee on Planning and Development will hear the bill.

- H5751 is also sponsored by the Joint Committee on Environment and will enable animal control officers to issue citations. The measure further provides that the officer involved can not be a member of a hearing board if the citation is appealed. The bill has been referred to the Joint Committee on Judiciary.

- A final bill by the Joint Committee on Environment, H5795, will require any impounded animal to be spayed or neutered, even if the animal is reclaimed by the owner. The proposal will further establish low cost spay/neuter programs and increases redemption fees. The measure passed the Joint Committee on Environment and will now proceed to the Joint Appropriations Committee.

FLORIDA - Sen. Bullard’s S470 has failed to be put on the hearing calendar for the Senate Commerce and Consumer Services Committee, effectively prohibiting the bill from moving any further. The bill would have required anyone who offered a dog or cat for sale to provide animal purchase disclosures with the sale of each dog or cat. Such disclosures would include information about the breeder, and the animal’s birth, origin, and registration information, if applicable. The Florida Association of Kennel Clubs has worked to oppose S470. For more information please contact them at dja0218@aol.com.

- The Senate Agriculture Committee has temporarily deferred Sen. Bullard’s S674. This bill would require pet dealers (defined as persons who sell more than two litters or 20 dogs or cats per year) to be licensed and inspected at least once a year. The bill would further institute a dealer license fee of $100 for a pet dealer selling more than 25 dogs or cats per year, and a fee of $25 for pet dealers selling fewer than 25 animals. Pet dealers will also be required to display license information in advertisements. S674 also includes several additional modifications to the state’s existing pet dealer law. The Florida Association of Kennel Clubs also opposes S674. For more information please contact them at dja0218@aol.com.

- The Palm Beach County Commission is considering a proposal by the animal control director to assess a $300 fine for any intact animal that is reclaimed at a shelter. AKC has sent a letter to the commissioners and the animal control director encouraging them not to support such an unreasonably high fine for a first offense.

GEORGIA – Rep. Knight’s H1497 was sent to Governor Perdue. The bill will define a vicious dog as one that is owned or trained for the purpose of fighting, or one that, on a previous occasion known to the owner, has attacked or injured any human being without provocation. Exemptions are included for dogs that attack people who are trespassing or teasing the animal. H1497 further provides penalties for violators. The Georgia Canine Coalition is supporting the measure with reservations, as they would prefer to see a complete overhaul made to the state’s dangerous dog law in the 2007-08 session. For more information about this bill and other pending legislation in Georgia, please contact the Georgia Canine Coalition at outlander@laberge.org.

HAWAII – Rep. Moses is sponsoring HCR207, a resolution to recognize the importance of dog training and to promote the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizenship program. The House Judiciary Committee will consider the resolution.

IDAHO –S1396 has been sent to Governor Kempthorne. The bill will amend the state animal cruelty laws and will expand the duties of animal control officers. S1396 also allows for an expedited forfeiture hearing to determine whether the owner of a seized animal will pay for the boarding and care of the animal or if they will relinquish ownership. This provision is intended to decrease the costs for local agencies to care for the animals pending adjudication of the charges.

ILLINOIS – Rep. Berrios is sponsoring HR1026, a resolution to encourage municipalities not to enact breed-specific legislation, to pass laws that target irresponsible dog owners and to encourage programs that educate residents. The resolution has passed the House Committee on Local Government and will now go before the full House.

- Rep. Boland’s HJR101 establishes the Vicious and Dangerous Dog Task Force to study and make recommendations concerning how to best protect the public from dog attacks. The 17-member panel will include representatives from the veterinary community, animal control community, a not-for-profit humane society, the American Kennel Club and an animal behaviorist. The resolution has passed out of the House Committee on Agriculture and Conservation and will be voted on by the full House. AKC strongly supports this effort to identify strategies that effectively address dangerous dogs. SJR80, sponsored by Sen. Harmon, is the Senate companion bill.

- Rep. Chapa-LaVia’s H4711 passed both houses and now proceeds to the governor. The bill increases penalties relating to dog fighting from a Class C misdemeanor to a Class A misdemeanor. If a person who is under thirteen years of age is brought to a dog fight, the parent, guardian or adult who brought the child would be charged with a Class 4 felony for a first offense.

- Rep. Boland’s H4238 passed both houses and is headed to Governor Blagojevich. The bill has been amended to provide that owners of dogs who allow their animals to run loose and seriously injure or kill someone will be guilty of a Class 4 felony. Previously, H4238 punished only owners of intact dogs who committed this crime. AKC, the Illinois Dog Clubs and Breeders Association, and concerned dog owners successfully argued that stronger penalties for dangerous dog violations should apply to all owners, not just those who own unaltered animals.

- The City of Elgin is investigating dangerous dog legislation, including possibly enacting breed-specific legislation. AKC sent a letter encouraging officials to pursue a non-discriminatory dangerous dog ordinance, and forwarded sample dangerous dog legislation to members of the city council.

- AKC has learned that Hoffman Estates has a breed-specific ordinance which declares “pit bulls,” defined as American Pit Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers or any mixed breed dog with similar characteristics, to be vicious animals. The ordinance requires that “pit bulls” be confined indoors or in a locked pen, muzzled when off the owner’s property, and that owners post signs stating that there is a vicious dog on the premises. AKC has sent a letter encouraging the city council to repeal this ordinance in favor of a dangerous dog ordinance that targets irresponsible owners.

For more information on legislative issues in Illinois please contact the Illinois Dog Clubs and Breeders Association at MAJWIZ@aol.com.

INDIANA – Governor Daniels singed H1418 into law. The new law requires that major and minor kennels be inspected by specified persons before a license is issued by a township assessor.

- A proposal before the Indianapolis City Council that would have declared Rottweilers and “pit bulls” to be vicious dogs has died because the author did not bring it up for a vote in time to meet a deadline. The Hoosier Rottweiler Club and other concerned dog owners worked hard to educate city council members about the ineffectiveness of breed-specific ordinances and are to be commended for their dedication.

KANSAS – The Leavenworth City Council is considering breed-specific legislation. The council reviewed a similar proposal in 2004 and decided against a breed-specific ordinance. AKC has sent copies of our dangerous dog packets, containing model dangerous dog legislation, as well as a letter opposing a breed-specific ordinance to members of the city council.

KENTUCKY – H733 failed to pass before the legislature adjourned. The measure would have prohibited insurance companies from refusing to issue or renew a homeowner’s insurance policy based upon the breed of dog owned by the insured.

- The Louisville Metro Council continues to pursue changes to its animal control ordinance. The latest draft from the task force includes breed-specific language, possible fee increases, burdensome confinement provisions and will allow an animal control officer more latitude to issue citations. To find our more details about the situation in Louisville, please see our Legislative Alert. To find out how you can assist in fighting this measure please contact the Louisville Kennel Club at donnaherzig@hotmail.com.

- AKC was notified by the Paducah Kennel Club that the Mayfield City Council adopted a breed-specific ordinance that deems Rottweilers and “pit bulls” to be vicious dogs. The new ordinance does not define what constitutes a “pit bull.” AKC sent a letter to members of the city council asking them to repeal the ordinance in favor of a non-discriminatory dangerous dog ordinance. AKC also provided Paducah Kennel Club members with lobbying packets to help them work with the city council to reverse this law.

- Nearby Crittenden County is also considering adopting a breed-specific ordinance. AKC has sent a letter of opposition and is working with members of the Paducah Kennel Club to educate local officials about the ineffectiveness of a breed-specific ordinance.

LOUISIANA - Rep. Hopkins introduced H549, a bill to expand the current law which makes it illegal to interfere with animal research facilities to also include concealing an animal that has bitten or inflicted serious bodily injury to any human. The bill has been assigned to the House Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice.

- H772, authored by Rep. Crowe, will create the Louisiana Pet Registry. Owners will be able to register their pets and obtain a unique identifier number. The fee will be $15 for each intact animal, and intact animals much be registered every three years. Animals that are spayed or neutered will be registered for a fee of $7.50 and will only need to be registered once. H772 has been referred to the House Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture and Rural Development.

- In the wake of the Hurricane Katrina disaster, Sen. Fontenot has introduced S607, a bill to require the creation of disaster plans for service animals and household pets. Animal shelters, humane societies, veterinary offices, boarding kennels, breeders, grooming facilities, hospitals, schools, animal testing facilities and any other business or not for profit agencies that house pets will be required to create evacuation plans to be submitted to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry and their local parish. These plans shall be made available to the public upon request. The Senate Judiciary Committee B will hear the bill.

MAINE – Governor Baldacci signed H1321 into law. The bill repeals a surcharge that is currently assessed for intact animals sold by a breeding kennel. The bill also changes the definition of a kennel from a facility that exchanges more than 16 dogs or cats in one year to any facility which houses more than 5 dogs, cats or wolf hybrids for the purpose of breeding, buying or selling. Finally, this legislation makes it a crime to endanger a companion animal.

MASSACHUSETTS - H3650 will prohibit shelters from importing animals from other countries, US territories, Alaska or Hawaii. The measure has been set aside for further study by the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. The Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Owners supports the bill.

– H4516, by Rep. Gobi, has been heard by the Joint Committee on Financial Services and is now eligible for Executive Session. The bill will prohibit insurance companies from refusing to issue, renew or charging an increased premium based on the breed of dog residing at the property. The Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners is working with Rep. Gobi to promote the bill, and the Canine Legislation department sent a letter of support as well.

- S1190, authored by Sen. Moore, will allow local governments to require specified training for animal control officers. The bill has passed the Senate Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government and has now been referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics and Rules.

For more information on these bills and pending legislation in Massachusetts, please contact the Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners at cmcgowan2@comcast.net.

MISSOURI – H1686, Rep. Chappelle-Nadal’s bill to require owners of “pit bulls” to obtain a state permit, has been referred to the House Agriculture Policy Committee. To find out more about this important legislation, please see our Legislative Alert.

- Rep. Deeken is sponsoring HCR 44, a resolution to encourage dog training programs and kennel clubs in Missouri to provide training and education for pet owners based on the AKC’s Canine Good Citizenship program.

- The City of Springfield approved a breed-specific dangerous dog ordinance that has been under discussion since late 2005. Owners or “pit bulls,” defined as American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers and mixed breed dogs with similar characteristics, are required to register with the city, pay a $50 fee, as well as get the dog sterilized and microchipped. Any time a “pit bull” is off the owner’s property it must be leashed and muzzled. A narrow exception is provided for show dogs. The AKC worked with the Ozarks Kennel Club and sent the city council letters opposing breed-specific legislation, as well as samples of generic, reasonable and enforceable dangerous dog laws.

For more information on legislative issues in Missouri, contact the Missouri Federation of Animal Owners at kjeeper@yhti.net.

NEW JERSEY – Sen. Weinberg’s S695 has been assigned to the Assembly Housing and Local Government Committee. The bill will allow municipalities to charge up to $21 annually for dog licenses. Current law caps the amount at a maximum of $7.

- S1753, authored by Sen. Asselta, will provide for civil action against a person committing an act of cruelty against a domestic companion animal. The bill has been referred to the Senate Economic Growth Committee.

- Asm. Caraballo A2645’s has been assigned to the Assembly Housing and Local Government Committee. The bill would prohibit landlords, not including apartment complexes, from refusing to lease or renew a lease because of a pet. To be covered by this law, an animal would have to be spayed or neutered and the owner must be in compliance with local animal control laws.

To find out how you can assist with legislative issues in New Jersey, please contact the New Jersey Federation of Dog Clubs at taborgsp@verizon.net.

NEW YORK - Sen. Maltese has introduced S7056, a bill that will prohibit the confinement of companion animals in vehicles in extreme temperatures. The bill also authorizes certain officers and peace officers to remove animals from a vehicle when the owner can not be located. A person found guilty under this section will be assessed a $15 fine. The Senate Agriculture Committee will hear the bill. The Responsible Dog Owners of New York and the Long Island Coalition of Dog Owners both support this proposal.

For more information on legislative issues in New York please contact the Long Island Coalition of Dog Owners at sutops@aol.com or Responsible Dog Owners Association of New York at Lettis@webtv.net.

OHIO – Rep. Webster’s H533, a bill to remove the provision in state law that deems “pit bulls” to be dangerous dogs, has been assigned to the House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources. The measure will allow local governments to enact breed-specific ordinances. For more information about H533, please contact Ohio Valley Dog Owners at ovdogo@canismajor.com.

OKLAHOMA – H2813, authored by Rep. Denney, has been referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee. The bill requires owners of dogs that have been declared dangerous to obtain $100,000 worth of liability insurance. The bill further requires that owners of dangerous dogs that have escaped their property serve forty hours of community service in addition to possible fines and jail time.

RHODE ISLAND – The House Committee on Health, Education and Welfare has recommended that Rep. Voccola’s H6829 be held for further study. The bill would have created a new chapter to establish warranties, remedies and disclosure notices pertaining to the sale of dogs.

SOUTH CAROLINA – H4804, authored by Rep. McGee, will enact the Protection of Pets and Companion Animals Act of 2006. The bill will make it a felony, resulting in up to five years confinement or a $5,000 fine, to steal a companion animal with the intent to sell that animal to a scientific research facility. The measure has been assigned to the House Judiciary Committee.

- The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee is sponsoring S1241, a bill that will make it illegal to confine an animal in such a way that it inflicts extended and unnecessary suffering upon an animal.

- The Rock Hill City Council was considering a proposal to declare Rottweilers and “pit bulls,” defined as Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers, and mixed breeds with similar characteristics, to be vicious dogs. The measure would have required that these dogs be kept in a locked pen and muzzled when walked. The city council pulled this item from their agenda after a public outcry. AKC congratulates fanciers and concerned dog owner who worked hard to oppose this measure.

TENNESSEE – Rep. Tindell’s H3511 passed the House Agriculture Committee and now proceeds to the House Committee on Finance, Ways and Means. The bill will establish a program to reimburse counties for providing low cost spay/neuter programs. H3511 also creates a statewide education campaign about the benefits of spaying and neutering.

VIRGINIA - Sen. Stolle’s S574 has been signed by Governor Kane. The new law prohibits giving away any unweaned dog or cat. The Virginia Federation of Dog Clubs had requested a specific exemption for rejected or orphaned animals. For more information on legislation in Virginia, please contact the Virginia Federation of Dog Clubs at Luvwelsh@aol.com.

WEST VIRGINIA – HCR101, sponsored by Rep. Frich, failed to pass the House prior to adjournment. The measure requested that the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the feasibility and effectiveness of requiring owners of vicious dogs to carry liability insurance.