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   June 2006

Editor's Note -- Dog Owner's Rights Under Attack
The introduction of crop and dock ban bills, breed specific legislation, and mandatory spay/neuter ordinances is rampant across the United States. From Los Angeles County, CA and Albuquerque, NM to San Antonio, TX and Louisville, KY, local governments are embracing mandatory spay and neuter ordinances as a panacea to deal with perceived pet overpopulation issues. So far in 2006, we have seen the consideration of an ear cropping ban bill in Vermont and the introduction of a crop and dock ban bill in New York state. Breed specific legislation, banning the ownership and/or breeding of certain breeds, plagues dog owners in scores of communities. The need for a resolute dog fancy committed to protecting the right to own and breed dogs has never been greater. Read more.

Walt Bebout



AKC Endorses Federal PETS Act
With predictions for another above-average hurricane season in 2006, and AKC survey results showing that an overwhelming majority of pet owners will refuse evacuation orders unless they can take their pets with them, the AKC is pleased to endorse and support the recently introduced S. 2548, the "Pet Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act of 2006", known as "PETS". PETS amends the federal Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to require provisions for rescue, care, shelter and essential needs of pets and service animals and their families in emergency and disaster relief, and to require that such provisions be included in federal, state and local emergency and disaster preparedness plans.

Read the full article.



Around the Nation: Legislation That Affects You

CALIFORNIA -- The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors will hear a proposal to establish a $150 intact animal fee at their July 18th board meeting. Fanciers and concerned dog owners are needed to attend and to contact their member of the Board of Supervisors and ask him/her to oppose the measure. To read more about this restrictive ordinance, please read our Legislative Alert.

-- Riverside County is considering a mandatory spay/neuter ordinance. Although a draft is not yet available, the Animal Services Department has provided limited details. According to the county web site, exemptions will be granted for service animals, working dogs, registered breeding stock and animals boarded at licensed training facilities. The county is expected to hold a series of public meetings once a final draft is available. For more information on this issue, please read our Legislative Alert.

See news from other states.



And The Award Goes To . . .
The AKC Canine Legislation Department is pleased to announce that Holly Stump, a board member of the Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners and Ed Peterson, spokesperson for the Vermont Federation of Dog Clubs, have been named recipients of the AKC® Community Achievement Awards. Stump is being recognized for her efforts to educate legislators about the dangers of breed-specific legislation and Peterson worked in Vermont to defeat notable legislation such as a recent bill to prohibit ear cropping.

Read the full article.



Walter R. Bebout, Director
Sarah Sprouse, Manager
Phone: 919-816-3720 | Fax: 919-816-4275 | Email: doglaw@akc.org
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