The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a motion by Supervisor Michael Antonovich to draft a breed-specific ordinance that would impose breeding restrictions and mandatory spay/neuter of “pit bulls” and Rottweilers. The ordinance is expected to be discussed at the February 14th meeting. Concerned dog owners should contact their supervisor and ask him or her to oppose these restrictions in favor of a dangerous dog law which targets irresponsible owners, not specific breeds.
Los Angeles Considers Breed-Specific Regulations
Monday, January 30, 2006
Dog owners are strongly encouraged to attend the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors' meeting on January 31st, where Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich is expected to propose an ordinance that would require mandatory spay/neuter of specific dog breeds. In his initial press release, Mayor Antonovich identified “pit bulls” and Rottweilers as aggressive dogs, although the term “pit bulls” remains undefined. His motion will ask the Department of Animal Care and Control to prepare an ordinance by February 14th, making this fast-moving issue worthy of immediate attention by dog owners.
Prior to the passage of SB861 in 2005, state law specifically prohibited local governments from enacting any breed-specific ordinances. SB861 allows local governments to enact only breed-specific mandatory spay/neuter ordinances.
Enactment of a breed-specific ordinance in Los Angeles County would be devastating to responsible dog owners, particularly purebred fanciers who participate in conformation dog shows and responsible breeding programs. Many owners of these breeds are extremely responsible, yet breed-specific regulations may prevent these owners from freely interacting with, showing, breeding or performing pet therapy with their dogs. Shelter costs could also skyrocket under this ordinance as citizens abandon pets that have been targeted due to breed.
Breed-specific legislation does not promote public safety, as owners who choose to be irresponsible with their animals — allow them to run loose, train them to be aggressive — will simply select new breeds to handle irresponsibly. Rigorous enforcement of generic dangerous dog laws, public education campaigns to teach people about responsible dog ownership, and enforcement of leash laws that affect all breeds and all owners will help keep communities safe. For more talking points on opposing breed-specific legislation, please click here (PDF).
What You Can Do:
- Attend the Board of Supervisors Meeting January 31st at 9:30am.
383 Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration
500 W. Temple Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Although this will not be an agenda item, members of the public are allowed to address the issue.
- Contact the County Board of Supervisors to express your opposition. To find out who represent you on the Board of Supervisors click here: http://regrec.co.la.ca.us/district/.
Supervisor Gloria Molina (District 1)
856 Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration
500 West Temple Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (213) 974-4111
Fax: (213) 613-1739
Email: Molina@bos.co.la.ca.usSupervisor Yvonne Burke (District 2)
866 Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration
500 West Temple Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (213) 974-2222
Fax: (213) 680-3283
Email: seconddistrict@lacbos.orgSupervisor Zev Yaroslavsky (District 3)
821 Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration
500 W. Temple St.,
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (213) 974-3333
Fax: (213) 625-7360
E-mail zev@lacbos.orgSupervisor Don Knabe (District 4)
822 Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration,
500 West Temple Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (213) 974-4444
Fax: (213) 626-6941
Email: jdoe@lacbos.orgSupervisor Michael D. Antonovich (District 5)
869 Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration
500 West Temple Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (213) 974-5555
Fax: (213) 974-1010 fax
Email: fifthdistrict@bos.co.la.ca.us
- For more information, please contact
California Federation of Dog Clubs
Susan Gioia, President
800-949-3746, ext. 106
760-471-5277 (fax)
shojudge@yahoo.comSacramento Council of Dog Clubs
Joan Gibson-Reed, Legislative Coordinator
Jgcorgis@aol.comAKC Canine Legislation Department
(919) 816-3720
doglaw@akc.org
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a motion by Supervisor Michael Antonovich to…