January 15, 2019
Grove City, Pennsylvania, has introduced a proposal that could limit residents to owning three dogs.
As introduced, the proposal states that a kennel license would be required for keeping more than three dogs at a residence, but it is unclear how one would obtain a kennel license, what would be required for a permit, or whether it is possible for a residence to obtain a kennel zoning permit.
What You Can Do:
The borough has held a public comment session and is seeking input from residents. If you reside in Grove City or represent a club with members in the area, contact the Borough Council and ask them to not pass any law that would limit dog ownership. The phone numbers of the council members can be found here: http://grovecityonline.com/council-information/
Talking Points:
AKC opposes ownership limit laws. They are ineffective, difficult to enforce, and do not address the true issue of irresponsible ownership.
AKC also understands that this proposal may have been introduced to address a perceived hoarding situation. An arbitrary limit on the number of animals every person in the borough can own will not address this situation 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.