Issues at the City, County, and Metropolitan Levels, and in US Territories
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:
AL, Montgomery – On May 3, 2022, the city council voted in favor of an animal ordinance that, among numerous other provisions, requires a business license and $150 annual permit for an “animal business” to breed, buy, sell, trade, raise, train, or board animals. Local advocates worked to amend some of the more egregious provisions of the ordinance as it was originally proposed.
NJ, East Amwell Township – Proposed, onerous amendments to East Amwell’s animal ordinance would have given the township’s animal control officer significant powers to seize and euthanize broad range of animals without due process for animal owners. AKC GR worked with key constituents in opposition to the proposal, which was not voted on at the Township Committee’s meeting on May 12, 2022.
TX, Dallas – The Dallas City Council approved a proposed ordinance in May 2022 to prohibit pet stores from selling dogs at retail. The Council has been working on proposing language since December 2021 but released the official ordinance language for the first time just prior to the hearing. AKC GR opposed the proposal and submitted letters to Dallas City Council outlining our concerns and providing more effective alternatives.
TX, New Braunfels – New Braunfels has also worked on drafting a pet store ordinance since late 2021. The Animal Services Advisory Board has met to continue discussions related to an ordinance. To date no ordinance language has been proposed and AKC has submitted multiple letters to the council and the board urging them to refrain from proposing an ordinance to prohibit pet store retail sales.