The AKC Government Relations Department is pleased to assist dog owners with canine legislation issues in their local communities, but we can’t help unless we are aware of the proposal. Please contact us at (919) 816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org when new laws are discussed or introduced in your city or county. We will provide you with resources and tools to help defend the rights of dog owners and support responsible dog ownership in your community.
Here are some examples of the local issues currently being addressed by AKC GR:
CA, Riverside – On Monday, May 8, the Land Use Committee of the City of Riverside conducted a public workshop to get feedback on a working draft of changes to the City’s animal ordinances. The draft, originally modeled on nearby Long Beach’s extreme animal ordinances, was to include breeder licensing and a ban on the retail sales of pets. Due to the organized advocacy efforts of concerned local fanciers, the Dog Owners of the Golden State and the California Federation of Dog Clubs, the committee unanimously decided to rework the proposal’s policies to ensure that the rights of responsible breeders and owners remain protected while addressing local animal control issues. Click here to read further.
FL, Hillsborough County – The Hillsborough County Animal Advisory Committee seeks to propose an ordinance that would regulate, set requirements for, and establish fees for dog training businesses and dog trainers in the county. Dog owners, trainers, club members, and representatives of the Florida Association of Kennel Clubs oppose this proposal, which may be considered by the Board of County Commissioners at an upcoming meeting. The committee has also discussed seeking enactment of a broad definition of the pejorative term, “puppy and kitten mill.” AKC GR has issued legislative alerts and been communicating with the county to express concerns with the proposal.