1PM – AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) has received word that all proposed changes to the City of Dallas’ animal ordinances under consideration today have been passed by the City Council. Reports indicate that the Council failed to address the concerns expressed by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and by many concerned clubs, breeders, owners, and fanciers.
Click here to read AKC GR’s most recent post on the Dallas proposal.
Previously, Dallas ordinance Sec.7-2.6 protected certain classes of dogs from sterilization before an owner could redeem them from a city shelter, including those owned by residents subject to an intact animal permit, service dogs, and competition dogs. With today’s vote, Dallas has eliminated those statutory protections. As a result, Dallas ordinances no longer offer explicit protections for dogs that end up in a city shelter due to accident, including for nonresident competition dogs. While Animal Services personnel may vary enforcement on a case-by-case basis, only Dallas residents with dogs subject to a breeder permit may avail themselves of a formal appeals process.
While the American Kennel Club disagrees with today’s decision by the Dallas City Council, we wholeheartedly continue to recommend that all dog owners adhere to applicable federal, state and local laws, including Dallas residents and those traveling to the city for events or training.
The American Kennel Club offers sincere thanks to the clubs, breeders, owners, and fanciers who contacted the City Council with concerns about the severity of this proposal. AKC GR will provide additional information on Dallas in future communications.
Contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org with questions or comments.