The AKC Government Relations Department is tracking over 70 local proposals that could affect your rights as dog owners. If you hear of an issue in your community, contact us at (919) 816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org. We will be happy to provide you with the resources, tools, and support you need to help fight for the rights of responsible dog owners and advocate for responsible dog ownership in your community. Here are a few of the local issues we are currently working on:

Mandatory Spay/Neuter
Fort Worth, TX –The City of Fort Worth has adopted changes to their animal control ordinance, including requiring owners of intact animals to purchase a one-time $50 permit or attend a responsible pet ownership class. Animals that are reclaimed from the city shelter must be spayed or neutered if they are picked up more than once. The changes also include an increase in license fees for owners whose animals are not microchipped and specific fencing requirements based on the animal's height and weight. AKC GR staff sent a letter to the Fort Worth City Council opposing these changes and contacted local AKC club officers and asked them to do the same.

Santa Barbara County, CA – A county task force has given preliminary approval to a mandatory spay/neuter ordinance for Santa Barbara County. The ordinance now goes to the County Board of Supervisors for consideration. It is imperative that all dog owners in Santa Barbara County contact the Board of Supervisors immediately and express opposition to mandatory spay/neuter laws.

Limit Laws
Jackson County, TN – The Jackson County Safe Neighborhoods Taskforce has recommended an ownership limit of 6 dogs and cats (combined) for all county residents unless the owner purchases an Animal Lodging Permit and allows for unannounced inspections of their property. Additionally, the proposal would require anyone with an intact animal to purchase a breeding permit, even if they are not breeding the animal.

Breed-Specific Legislation
Numerous cities have introduced breed-specific ordinances:

Des Moines, IA – The Des Moines City Council is considering banning the new ownership of “pit bulls” in city limits, although current owners would be permitted to keep their pets. The AKC is working with local concerned fanciers and dog owners to defeat this proposal and has notified local fanciers, club members, and AKC officials and urged them to contact the city council.

Elgin, IL – The Elgin City Council is working to strengthen its dangerous dog laws. The Government Relations Department sent a letter to the city council and materials to local concerned fanciers. Local media is now reporting that breed-specific legislation is unlikely, and that the council is now more likely to consider stronger non-discriminatory dangerous dog laws.

Mount Clemens, MI – The City of Mount Clemens has passed an ordinance declaring all "pit bulls" (defined as American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and American Pit Bull Terriers) to be "dangerous dogs". Current owners of these breeds may only keep their dogs if they register them within 30 days and comply with numerous regulations including purchasing extensive liability insurance and following specific fencing requirements. The AKC Government Relations Department worked with local dog owners to defeat this proposal, sent letters of opposition to the city council, and urged local fanciers and club members to also contact the council and express opposition.

Oelwein, IA – Local media is reporting that Oelwein public officials are considering a breed-specific animal control ordinance with possible insurance requirements for owners of “pit bulls” and Rottweilers. No specific language has been drafted at this time, but the AKC has sent a letter to the city council and urged local fanciers and club members to also contact the council and expression opposition to breed-specific animal control policies.

West Columbia, TX – The City of West Columbia is seeking to ban the ownership of “pit bulls” and Rottweilers within city limits. It is unclear at this time how current owners will be affected. AKC is monitoring this proposal and has sent a letter to the city council urging them to reject any breed-specific language in the ordinance.

White County, TN – The city will consider a breed ban in August at the request of the Sheriff, who local media reports is concerned about recent attacks in the area. The AKC is closely monitoring this proposal and working to defeat it.

Wilkes-Barre, PA – The City of Wilkes-Barre plans to ask the State of Pennsylvania to repeal its prohibition on breed-specific legislation so the city can enact a breed ban. The AKC has written a letter to the city council and is working with the Pennsylvania Federation of Dog Clubs and local fanciers to defeat this proposal.