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:
CA, Los Angeles is considering changes that would remove numeric limits on pet ownership limits and change zoning ordinances to would allow retail pet stores in commercially zoned areas. The changes would also encourage pet retailers to provide dogs from rescue organizations, along with shelter animals. AKC GR has prepared a response offering assistance in drafting ordinance language.
CA, The West Hollywood City Council has directed city staff to investigate and draft ordinances establishing standards and requirements for animal groomers. AKC GR will reach out to the city to offer its expertise on this topic.
CT, New Haven – The New Haven Board of Alders is expected to consider additions to the city ordinance to establish breed-neutral laws regarding the keeping of vicious or dangerous dogs. The provisions may include breeding permits and inspections of breeding premises. AKC GR will review the proposal when it is made public and will provide additional information at that time.
FL, The Orange County Board of Commissioners directed staff to draft legislation that would restrict retail pet stores to selling only dogs and cats procured from rescue distributors. AKC GR expressed concern and proposed alternate language.
MD, Anne Arundel County has proposed changes to the tethering laws, including prohibiting any dog from being tethered outside when the temperature is below 32 degrees or above 90 degrees unless a proper shelter is provided. While tethering for “temporary tasks” is permitted, it is unclear how this would impact local dog shows and events. AKC GR is working with the Maryland Federation on providing more effective solutions to address the county’s concerns.
TN, Franklin County – is considering an ordinance that would restrict pet stores to selling only dogs and cats displayed in cooperation with an animal care facility or animal rescue organization, or that are procured from rescue distributors. An existing pet shop would be grandfathered. AKC GR sent letters of concern and proposed alternate language.
TX, Dallas – The Dallas City Council passed amendments to the City’s animal ordinances, that removed the exceptions for competition dogs, service dogs, or dogs subject to an intact animal permit from sterilization fee requirements for owner redemptions. The AKC shared our concerns that the proposed wording of this change will result in the sterilization of owner-redeemed dogs kept for otherwise protected purposes. AKC issued multiple action alerts, letters to the Dallas City Council, published a blog entry, and participated in a podcast on the matter, requesting that the current protections for competition dogs remain.
TX, Fort Worth – The City Council is expected to consider many changes to the city’s animal ordinances. Topics for consideration include: Microchipping over licensing requirements, multifamily dwelling pet requirements, dangerous and aggressive dog provisions, pet waste pickup, pet redemption fees, intact pet fees, leashing requirements, multi-pet permits, and retail dog and cat sales restrictions. AKC GR is currently reviewing this proposal and will provide more information in the coming weeks.