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:
CO, Chaffee County – The Chaffee County Commission is considering a proposal that would require kennel permits. AKC is reviewing this proposal, which is expected to be considered by the commission in October.
FL, Hillsborough County – The Hillsborough County Board of Commissioners voted to approve an ordinance that requires dog trainers to register with and dog training businesses to be licensed by the Pet Resources Department. The measure also establishes extensive recordkeeping requirements and other criteria for dog trainers. Certain dog training businesses and trainers appear to be exempted. AKC issued a legislative alert regarding this measure, and will provide information about amendments, if any, that were enacted at the November 15 meeting.
IN, Boone County – The Boone County Board of Commissioners is considering a proposal on November 21 that would mandate the spaying and neutering of all dogs belonging to county residents by 2020. It also would impose strict tethering requirements that would not allow for the humane tethering of dogs at AKC events or field trials unless the leash was 12 feet long. AKC and its Indiana federation are working to express concerns with this proposal. Read more.
NV, Clark County – The Clark County Board of Commissioners considered a proposal that would restrict the sales of dogs and cats at pet stores to only those obtained from a shelter or rescue organization. AKC issued a legislative alert on this proposal, which was deferred by the commission and may be reconsidered soon.
NV, Las Vegas – The Las Vegas City Council passed a measure to repeal a recently passed law that would have allowed pet stores to source animals only from rescues and shelters. AKC strongly supported this proposal .