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.
KS, Augusta- Augusta city council met in early September to discuss repealing legislation in the city to ban certain dog breeds. City ordinance currently bans keeping a dog that is a Staffordshire terrier, American pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, Rottweiler, or any dog which has the appearance and characteristics of being predominantly of any of the above listed breeds. AKC has submitted comments requesting the council repeal the ban and we will continue to closely monitor the council proceedings
KS, Wichita – The Wichita Animal Services Advisory Board met in late September to discuss a mandatory spay and neuter Ordinance. AKC has thus far shared our concerns to the board and the board requested that AKC provide other recommendations in place of a MSN ordinance. The board hopes to address ongoing at large dog issues and AKC will continue to oppose the MSN ordinance and make other recommendations in its place.
LA, St. Landry Parish – a proposed ordinance that significantly amends animal control laws was announced by Parish President Jessie Ballard, and could be considered at an upcoming Parish Council meeting. Click here to view the proposed ordinance, posted 8/15/22. The ordinance remains subject to additional revisions, and according to news stories, parish government officials will tour rural parish communities beginning in August to explain the proposed animal control ordinance. It was noted in the 8/17/22 Parish Council meeting agenda: Finance Director, Caryn Fulop stated, “On the Animal Control Ordinance, they had that meeting last night and I think they are going through the different municipalities and discussing it.” A new animal control investigator began work in September. As of 10/18/22, no additional public notice on this issue has been posted on the parish website,
NJ, Montclair – Despite strong opposition expressed by AKC and allied groups, Montclair is soon expected to approve a retail pet stores sourcing restrictions ordinance. Learn more.
TX, Frisco– Frisco held another meeting early this month to discuss a proposed pet store ordinance that would have required professional breeders to be members of an AKC parent club in order to source dogs to pet stores. Over the last few months, AKC has been in contact with the Frisco councilmember that is drafting the ordinance and providing recommendations so that Frisco pet stores can still source dogs from licensed professional breeders. Another meeting is expected in October to discuss an amended ordinance and AKC will continue to be involved in those developments. AKC is awaiting new language after making our recommendations.
TX, New Braunfels- New Braunfels has been considering a pet store ordinance for more than a year. AKC sent multiple letters to the New Braunfels Neighborhood Services Manager with recommendations in Spring of 2022. The manager ultimately recommended language to prohibit pet stores from sourcing dogs from breeders. The ordinance is expected to be considered by the city council later this fall.
VA, Rockingham County – At a Public Hearing held September 28, the Board of Supervisors voted to table the current proposal of a Dog Kennel Ordinance to allow the many folks who spoke at the hearing, including AKC GR, any opportunity to provide additional input. The current proposal was the result of a work session on the ordinance. The entire proposal as it is currently written is available beginning on page 27 of the Board of Supervisors recent meeting agenda. Under the original proposal, as defined in the ordinance, a commercial kennel was limited to adult breeding females to four. The new proposal seeks to change the definition by using the number of litters (4-8 a year or possibly 5 over 2 years) but exempts individuals with two or less litters (2 per year or possibly 2 over 2 years). Although some of the numerous 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. 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.