On Tuesday, April 9, the Los Angeles City Council voted to suspend the issuance of new breeding permits until city animal shelters are below 75 percent of capacity.
AKC continues to strenuously oppose this measure as responsible dog breeders are not the reason why city animal shelters are in distress. AKC will continue to advocate for policies that meaningfully improve conditions in animal shelters while also defending the rights of those who practice responsible dog ownership. Read AKC’s previous alert for more details on the proposal and our position.
The sponsor emphasized that this moratorium is temporary until the shelters meet the desired 75 percent capacity. However, at this time, this figure is currently estimated to be at 212 percent. While some councilmembers acknowledged that this moratorium may be ineffective, they still voted for its implementation.
What if I own an intact dog but do not breed?
Statutorily, this ordinance should not impact those wishing to maintain intact dogs through the city’s animal license system. However, AKC continues to have concerns about the implementation of current law and whether those who should be able to maintain intact dogs will be able to do so.
Current law allows for those meeting one of the following criteria to qualify to purchase an intact animal permit:
- Is a breed approved by and registered with a registry or association which, at a minimum, requires identification of the breed, date of birth, names of registered sire and dam, the name of breeder, and record-keeping relating to breeding, transfer of ownership and death, and does or will actively show or compete.
- Has earned or is in the process of earning a special title (i.e. agility, herding).
- Is used as or in training to be a guide, signal, or service dog.
- Is a dog trained, or in training, for use in law enforcement, military or rescue activities.
- Has a letter and documentation from a licensed veterinarian certifying that the animal should be temporarily or permanently deferred due to age or health.
For those attempting to purchase an intact animal license for a dog, please reach out to AKC at doglaw@akc.org and let us know if you were successful or run into any challenges. If you do have trouble, please also contact your city councilmember to let them know your story.
Contact your member on the Los Angeles City Council (find your councilmember by clicking here and entering your address):
- District 1: Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez; councilmember.hernandez@lacity.org; 213 473-7001
District 2: Councilmember Paul Krekorian; councilmember.Krekorian@lacity.org; (213) 473-7002
District 3: Councilmember Bob Blumenfield; councilmember.blumenfield@lacity.org; (213) 473-7003
District 4: Councilmember Nithya Raman; contactCD4@lacity.org; (213) 473-7004
District 5: Councilmember Katy Yarolavsky; councilmember.yaroslavsky@lacity.org; 213 473-7005
District 6: Councilmember Imelda Padilla; councilmember.padilla@lacity.org; 213 473-7006
District 7: Councilmember Monica Rodriguez; councilmember.rodriguez@lacity.org; (213) 473-7007
District 8: Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson; councilmember.harris-dawson@lacity.org; (213) 473-7008
District 9: Councilmember Curren D. Price, Jr.; councilmember.price@lacity.org; 213 473-7009
District 10: Councilmember Heather Hutt; cd10@lacity.org; 213 473-7010
District 11: Councilmember Traci Park; councilmember.park@lacity.org; 213 473-7011
District 12: Councilmember John Lee; councilmember.Lee@lacity.org; (213) 473-7012
District 13: Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez; councilmember.soto-martinez@lacity.org; (213) 473-7013
District 14: Councilmember Kevin de León; councilmember.kevindeleon@lacity.org; 213-473-7014
District 15: Councilmember Tim McOsker; councilmember.mcosker@lacity.org; 213 473-7015
AKC GR will provide updates as warranted on next steps as they are available. For questions or more information on California legislation