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:
Louisiana, Ouachita Parish – Local fanciers have reported that the Ouachita Parish Animal Shelter Citizens’ Advisory Committee is likely to recommend a mandatory spay/neuter ordinance to the Parish’s Police Jury. The AKC and a multitude of organizations oppose mandatory spay/neuter. AKC GR continues to work with local fanciers in opposition to this issue.
Tennessee, Montgomery County – The Montgomery County council is considering extensive changes to the county animal control ordinance. Among these are pet licensing with higher fees for unaltered dogs, breeder licensing, and restrictions on kenneling and tethering. The proposal remains in committee pending revisions.
Washington, D.C. – The District of Columbia has proposed a bill that would prohibit any animal from being outside for more than 15 minutes when the temperature is forecasted to fall below 15 degrees Fahrenheit and there is steady precipitation for more than one hour, snow accumulation of at least three inches, or “other meteorological conditions”. The AKC agrees no dog should ever be kept outside in conditions that would endanger its health and safety; however, there are concerns over those who may not have fenced in yards and therefore must temporarily tether dogs outside, or those breeds that may actually thrive in cold conditions. The bill has been approved for consideration by the Committee on Health and the AKC will be asking the committee for clarifications and amendments.