February 1, 2019
Manteca, California, will consider a proposal on Tuesday, February 5, that could limit residents to owning three dogs and three cats. To own more than three dogs and cats, the proposal would require that residents obtain a kennel license.
Although kennel licenses are already technically required in Manteca for those who own more than three dogs over the age of four months, this proposal further strengthens and emphasizes the city’s desire to limit dog ownership in order to in part “provide for the general welfare and quality of life of its citizens.”
What You Can Do:
The City Council will hear the proposed ordinance on Tuesday, February 5, 2019. If you reside in Manteca or represent a club with members in the area, contact the City Council and ask them to not pass any law that would limit dog ownership. Instead, the focus should be on general animal control laws that hold all residents accountable, regardless of the number of dogs a person owns.
Hearing Information:
Manteca City Council Hearing
Tuesday, February 5, 2019
7:00 pm
City Hall Council Chambers
1001 W. Center Street
Contact information for the council members:
Mayor Benjamin J. Cantu
Vice Mayor David Breitenbucher
Councilmember Debby Moorhead
Councilmember Gary Singh
Councilmember Jose Nuño
Talking Points:
AKC opposes ownership limit laws. They are ineffective, difficult to enforce, and do not address the true issue of irresponsible ownership.
An arbitrary limit on the number of animals every person in the city can own does not animal control concerns, and punishes responsible owners whose dogs are kept in humane conditions and are not a nuisance in the community.
It will also be a burden on the local shelter, as residents will be limited in the number of dogs they can have in their home.
Visit our Limit Laws key issue page in the AKC Legislative Action Center for more talking points.
AKC Government Relations will continue to monitor this proposal and provide more information as it becomes available. If you reach out to the council and receive feedback, please share it with AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.