On Wednesday, June 21, the Kern County Animal Services Commission will reconsider a proposed ordinance concerning dog licensing for dog owners in Kern County which could lead to mandatory spay/neuter for violations of animal control laws. If advanced, the proposal would go to the Kern County Board of Supervisors for review and possible passage into law.
After the May commission meeting, the proposal was rereferred to the Kern County Animal Services Commission’s Subcommittee for revisions, and AKC met with members and proposed amendments. AKC greatly appreciates the county’s willingness to meet and discuss our concerns.
However, currently, AKC still has concerns with the proposal before the Kern County Animal Services Commission. While it is possible that amendments will be offered, no draft is yet publicly available. As of this date, it is the same proposal that has been discussed in previous meetings of the Kern County Animal Services Commission. Given the uncertainty around exactly what the proposed ordinance includes, AKC encourages anyone in the area to attend Wednesday’s meeting to ensure the rights of responsible dog owners’ voices are heard.
View AKC’s previous alert for more information on the proposal and talking points.
What You Can Do:
Attend the Animal Service Commission Meeting and respectfully express your opposition to the May 2023 proposal: The proposal is scheduled to discussed at the Kern County Animal Services Commission’s regularly scheduled monthly meeting:
Wednesday, June 21 at 6:00 PM
County Administrative Office, Third Floor Multi-Purpose Room
1115 Truxtun Avenue
Bakersfield, California.
Contact the commission and respectfully express your opposition to the proposal as it was considered in May 2023. Encourage them to consider the amendments being proposed by AKC: (661) 868-7100 or AnimalControlCommission@kerncounty.com
AKC Government Relations continues to monitor proposals in California impacting dog owners and will provide updates. For questions or more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.