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, Red Bay – A proposed ordinance that seeks to restrict ownership of “pit bull” dogs and prohibit new pit bulls from coming into the city has been discussed. Per the city clerk, a dangerous dog ordinance could be discussed at an upcoming city council meeting. AKC GR continues to monitor this issue. Read more.
AR, Fort Smith – News stories report that city directors are discussing measures to address stray dogs and cats, including breeder licensing. AKC GR continues to monitor this issue.
KS, Wichita – The Wichita Animal Services Advisory Board met on November 16 to discuss a mandatory spay and neuter ordinance. AKC has shared our concerns with the board on numerous occasions. The board hopes to address ongoing at large dog issues and AKC will continue to work with local clubs to oppose the development of an MSN ordinance.
LA, St. Landry Parish – An egregious proposed animal ordinance will be voted on by the parish council on November 16, 2022. A brief public hearing will be held immediately preceding the meeting. Click here to view the most recent version of the proposed ordinance. This overreaching proposal contains vague and contradictory definitions, fails to protect the property rights of animal owners, tramples an owner’s due process rights when an animal is confiscated, seeks to establish breeder permits based on unattainable requirements, allows animal control personnel to place impounded animals with undefined “rescue organizations,” and contains numerous other problematic provisions. Read more, including 11/16/22 public hearing and meeting information.
NJ, Montclair – Despite indications that it would quickly do so, Montclair has yet to pass a retail pet stores sourcing restrictions ordinance. , Montclair is soon expected to approve a retail pet stores sourcing restrictions ordinance. Learn more here and here.
TX, San Marcos- The San Marcos City Council had a final vote scheduled on November 15 on an ordinance that would require spay/neuter on first at large dog offense and would additionally prohibit pet stores from sourcing dogs from breeders. AKC has been in contact with the city council to oppose these measures and offered to work on alternatives and urged local residents to also communicate with their council members. The council postponed the final vote on the ordinance until 2023.
VA, Rockingham County – The Council continues to deliberate an ordinance regulating breeders. The current draft seeks to change the definition by using the number of litters (4-8 a year or possible 5 over 2 years) but exempts individuals with two or less litters (2 per year or possibly 2 over 2 years). Although some arbitrary requirements to operate a commercial kennel remain in the current proposal, AKC GR was able to get some of them modified. Those providing input at the hearing were concerned with the low numbers of litters allowed in the proposal as well as many of the arbitrary standards that remain.
The Board held a public discussion on the Ordinance at the October 12 meeting with no action taken and a recommendation by Board chair to hold further public discussions. AKC GR is continuing to provide input and encouraging the Board of Supervisors to ensure that the final ordinance Rockingham County develops is in the best interest of dogs, enforceable, and absent of any unintended circumstances that negatively impact responsible dog breeders.