Despite strong objections by residents and the current lack of subsidized spay/neuter services, an overreaching mandatory spay/neuter law enacted by the Gadsden City Council in July 2023 remains on the books. This law continues to criminalize many responsible dog owners in the community. An alternate proposed law that would replace the spay/neuter law is expected […]

The Boone County (IN) Board of Commissioners postponed a vote on a bill that would mandate the spaying and neutering of all dogs owned by county residents by the year 2020.

The Boone County (IN) Board of Commissioners postponed a vote on a bill that would mandate the spaying and neutering of all dogs owned by county residents by the year 2020.

The Boone County (IN) Board of Commissioners is considering a proposal on Monday, November 20, that would mandate the spaying and neutering of all dogs owned by county residents by the year 2020.

Virginia dog owners won a major victory on January 26, when the Virginia Senate Agriculture Committee defeated a mandatory spay/neuter bill by an 8-6 vote. Senate Bill 1151 imposed a mandatory spay/neuter requirement on dogs picked up by animal control more than once. AKC opposes the concept of the mandatory spay/neuter of purebred dogs. Instead, […]

Recently Houston Mayor John Whitmire stated his belief that “(mandatory spay and neuter) is the ultimate solution to overcrowding and stray animals.” Whitmire further alluded to the development of a mandatory spay/neuter (MSN) ordinance in Houston soon. While the AKC understands Mayor Whitmire’s desire to address animal welfare issues in and around Harris County we […]

Despite opposition from responsible pet owners, on October 10, 2023, the Floyd County, Georgia, County Commission enacted changes to the county animal ordinance that make it “unlawful for any person to own, keep, or be in possession of a sexually mature dog or cat which has not been spayed or neutered, unless otherwise exempt from […]

The Las Cruces City Council held a special work session to discuss a mandatory spay/neuter ordinance and continues to receive pressure from a local animal advocacy organization to implement this proposal. A draft ordinance is not publicly available, and it is unclear when a draft will be available. The AKC expects there will be one […]

Updated October 6, 2023 with email addresses for Floyd County Commissioners. Please scroll down to view this new contact information. URGENT:  Please share this information with dog owners, breeders, conformation and event participants, sportsmen, and hunters in Floyd County, Georgia. A brief public hearing and vote to enact mandatory spay/neuter of dogs 6 months of […]

At their bi-monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 10, the Kern County Board of Supervisors will formally receive the recommendation from the Animal Services Commission that includes proposed amendments to the Kern County Ordinance Code establishing additional animal regulations—including what AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) considers to be mandatory spay/neuter. No action or votes will be […]

URGENT:  Please share this information with dog owners, breeders, conformation and event participants, sportsmen, and hunters in Floyd County, Georgia. A brief public hearing and vote to enact mandatory spay/neuter of dogs 6 months of age and older is scheduled for next Tuesday morning, October 10, 2023, at 9:30am by the Floyd County, GA, Board […]

Hormone-sparing sterilization (vasectomy or ovary-sparing spay) retain hormones associated with possibly better health and behavior.

Last week, the Kern County Animal Services Commission reconsidered a proposed ordinance that seeks to further the licensing burden on dog owners in Kern County, and could lead to mandatory spay/neuter for one violation of animal control laws.  While some concerns remain, there were some amendments requested by AKC and local club members that were […]

On Wednesday, June 21, the Kern County Animal Services Commission will reconsider a proposed ordinance concerning dog licensing for dog owners in Kern County which could lead to mandatory spay/neuter for violations of animal control laws. If advanced, the proposal would go to the Kern County Board of Supervisors for review and possible passage into […]

On Wednesday, June 21, the Kern County Animal Services Commission will reconsider a proposed ordinance concerning dog licensing for dog owners in Kern County which could lead to mandatory spay/neuter for violations of animal control laws. If advanced, the proposal would go to the Kern County Board of Supervisors for review and possible passage into […]

On Wednesday, May 17, the Kern County Animal Services Commission reconsidered a proposed ordinance that seeks to further the licensing burden on dog owners in Kern County, and could lead to mandatory spay/neuter for one violation of animal control laws. No vote was taken in this meeting, but the proposal has been rereferred to the […]

On Wednesday, May 17, the Kern County Animal Services Commission are reconsidering a proposed ordinance that seeks to further the licensing burden on dog owners in Kern County, and could lead to mandatory spay/neuter for one violation of animal control laws. If advanced, the proposal would go to the Kern County Board of Supervisors for […]

On Wednesday, April 19, the Kern County Animal Services Commission discussed a proposed ordinance that seeks to institute mandatory spay/neuter in Kern County. No action was taken in this meeting, but this proposal will likely be voted on during the commission’s next meeting on May 17. AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) thanks all who took […]

On Wednesday, April 19, the Kern County Animal Services Commission are considering a proposed ordinance that seeks to institute mandatory spay/neuter in Kern County. If advanced, the proposal would go to the Kern County Board of Supervisors for review and possible passage into law. County residents are strongly encouraged to contact both the commission and […]

The American Kennel Club has just learned that the Fort Smith Board of Directors will consider proposed revisions to the city’s animal ordinance TOMORROW, March 21, 2023.  Among other problematic provisions, the proposal includes mandatory spay/neuter of all dogs based on conflicting circumstances;  mandatory spay/neuter of every dog impounded for any reason; a requirement for […]

The Wichita Animal Services Advisory Board will meet this week on Wednesday, November 16 at 4:00pm to discuss a potential mandatory spay and neuter ordinance. The board will need to develop an ordinance and approve it before it will receive further consideration. Once the board approves an ordinance it may require approval from the Wichita […]

Last week, the San Marcos City Council gave initial unanimous support of an ordinance that will mandate spay/neuter for all dogs following a first offense of the city’s at large dog ordinance. Additionally, this ordinance will prohibit the sale of dogs at pet stores sourced from dog breeders. There will be one more reading of […]

The American Kennel Club Government Relations Department learned today that the Warren County animal shelter director recommended that the county should revisit spay/neuter laws. Per a news report, this was discussed last week at a meeting of the Warren County Health & Welfare Committee. The Warren County Board of Commissioners meets tonight, July 18, 2022. […]

The Virginia Senate Agriculture, Conservation, and Natural Resources Committee (ACNR) voted 10-0 at its recent meeting to continue Senate Bill 89 to next year. As introduced, Senate Bill 89 would amend existing Code of Virginia section 3.2-6510 by adding language stating that “No pet shop shall sell a dog or cat unless such dog or cat […]

The Virginia Senate Agriculture, Conservation, and Natural Resources Committee (ACNR) is scheduled to consider a bill at its meeting tomorrow (Tuesday, February 8, 2022) that would require a dog or cat obtained from a pet shop to be spayed or neutered.  The meeting will take place 30 minutes after the conclusion of the day’s floor […]

The Virginia Senate Agriculture, Conservation, and Natural Resources Committee’s (ACNR) Companion Animal Subcommittee is scheduled to consider a bill at its 9:00am meeting tomorrow (Thursday, January 27, 2022) that would prohibit a pet shop from selling a dog or cat unless it has first been spayed or neutered. Senate Bill 89 would amend existing Code […]

The Missouri House Local Government Committee is scheduled to consider two bills on Thursday, January 27, that would prohibit local municipalities from enacting breed-specific laws in the state. As introduced, AKC strongly supports these bills, as stated in our previous alert. There is discussion, however, that amendments may be proposed that would place significant restrictions […]

The Caddo Parish Commission recently voted 10-1 in favor of an ordinance requiring dogs to be spayed or neutered, despite concerns raised by the AKC and local residents. The Ordinance will go into effect on July 1, 2022 for a period of two years. The parish will evaluate the ordinance's effects after two years. Unless […]

Often, the spay and neuter take place at a very young age for pets. However, studies have shown that this may not be the best age.

The Caddo Parish Commission is moving forward with an animal control ordinance that would require sterilization of dogs and cats A public hearing will be held at the December 9th Commission meeting to gather feedback from the community.  AKC strongly encourages residents to attend the hearing and contact the commission to express your concerns with […]