Local Battles

Many local municipalities are also considering ordinances that could have a significant impact on dog owners and breeders.

The AKC is unable to track every single city and town in the country, so if you hear about an issue in your community, please be sure to contact us at (919) 816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org.We have a number of resources available to help your efforts to protect your rights as a dog owner in your community.

Here are some of the recent highlights:

Breed-Specific Legislation

New York, NY – As of May 1, 2009, the New York City Housing Authority prohibits any dog weighing over 25 pounds, including Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, and “pit bulls”, in any housing under their control. AKC President and CEO Dennis Sprung has sent letters to the Housing Authority, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and that New York City Council opposing these regulations.We have also requested this policy be rescinded in favor of regulations that judge dogs on their behavior, not their breed or size. If you are a NYC resident, please click here to learn how you can help us fight this discriminatory ordinance.

Breeding Restrictions

Chicago, IL – The Chicago City Council has delayed a vote on a new version of the mandatory spay/neuter ordinance introduced in 2008. It is critical that Chicago residents contact their Alderman and express their opposition to the bill. Please be sure to include your full name and mailing address so you will be recognized as a constituent. To find out who represents you, click here.

Laguna Woods, CA – The City of Laguna Woods has passed an ordinance requiring spay/neuter of all dogs over four months of age, with few exceptions. These exceptions include a dog “used to show, compete, or breed”, so long as the dog has competed in at least 3 events in a calendar year, earned a title from a purebred registry, or is registered with a purebred breed club. Service animals and dogs who cannot be spayed/neutered are also exempted. The AKC has written a letter to the Laguna Woods City Council expressing our opposition to mandatory spay/neuter laws.

A committee has also been established to define “breeder” and evaluate the success of the ordinance over the next year. Responsible dog owners who are interested in serving on this committee, which will be comprised equally of supporters and opponents of the ordinance, should contact their representative on the Board of Supervisors.

Manteca, CA – The City of Manteca rejected an ordinance that would require spaying and neutering of all dogs over the age of six months. The AKC thanks the fanciers who fought against this proposal.

Plano, TX – The City of Plano has adopted a new ordinance which requires sterilization of dogs older than 4 months that are transferred or sold. Exceptions include dogs registered with a national registry, sporting dogs, working dogs, livestock dogs, performance dogs, service dogs or law enforcement dogs; or if the owner is a member of a local breed club, all-breed club, sporting or hunting club or performance club.

Santa Barbara County, CA – In 2007, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors declined to pass a mandatory spay/neuter ordinance and created a task force to study animal control issues including shelter population issues in the county. A dedicated group of local fanciers, owners and breeders has been attending these meetings, but more help is needed! If you live in the Santa Barbara County area, please consider attending the task force meeting and speak up for the rights of responsible breeders and owners. AKC staff has met with elected officials and club members in Santa Barbara and provided testimony to the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors and Spay Neuter Task Force.

Limit Laws

Wichita, KS – The Wichita City Council has given preliminary approval to an ordinance that would severely impact the rights of local dog owners. Anyone wishing to own more than two dogs or cats must obtain an Animal Maintenance Permit (AMP), that permits them own up to four dogs or cats. Owners of “pit bulls” may not apply for an AMP and must sterilize their dogs. The proposal imposes several other restrictions, including banning “pit bulls” from dog parks and limiting the number of dogs a person may have at a dog park at any time. AKC has submitted a letter and memo to the City Council and is working with local dog clubs to stop this ordinance.