Issues at the City, County, and Metropolitan Levels, and in US Territories
Columbia, South Carolina – City officials in Columbia are considering updates to local animal control ordinances that would tighten rules on dog tethering and certain pet sales practices. The proposal is part of a broader effort by city leaders and animal services officials to strengthen animal welfare protections and address concerns about dogs being left chained outdoors for extended periods. Under the proposal, the amount of time a dog can be tethered outdoors would be significantly limited. The draft ordinance would restrict tethering to no more than two hours within a 12-hour period and would require the use of a cable or trolley system rather than tying a dog directly to a stationary object. The proposed ordinance is being reviewed by city officials and may be considered by the Columbia City Council as part of broader updates to the city’s animal control regulations, and AKC Government Relations is closely monitoring.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – The Philadelphia City Council approved Bill No. 250989 which would impose a 36-month moratorium on the breeding and the sale or transfer of any dog under 7 months of age within the city to address overcrowding at the city’s shelters. The bill exempts any person or entity holding a valid Pennsylvania Dog Law kennel license, which is required if one keeps, harbors, boards, or transfers a total of 26 or more dogs in a calendar year. The bill would significantly restrict responsible, small-scale, American Kennel Club–affiliated breeders, while failing to address the real sources of shelter crowding. AKC has testified in opposition before the Rules Committee and full Council. The bill was signed by the Mayor on March 4, 2026, and will take effect on June 2, 2026. AKC GR working with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement to clarify how the Commonwealth’s kennel license regulations would be administered for home-based hobbyists in who may choose to obtain a state-issued kennel license in order to continue to breed during the 36-month moratorium.