On February 27, the Abilene City Council is holding its second hearing on an animal ordinance that would significantly impact pet owners in the city. The ordinance includes two key problematic provisions:
- Mandatory spay/neuter for all dogs and cats over six months old.
- An exemption only for those who obtain a commercial breeder permit – even if you do not intend to breed the dogs.
Additionally, while the ordinance defines a “commercial breeder” as one who breeds more than 12 dogs and cats in combination or two litters of cats and dogs in combination, whichever is greater, it would seem as if anyone who wishes to own intact dogs or breed even one litter must first obtain a permit. An additional permit is required for any female dog intended for breeding.
How to Help
Abilene residents should contact their city council members and express concerns with the mandatory spay and neuter and the commercial breeder licensing provisions in the proposal as soon as possible. Please find links to email members of the council HERE.
Additionally, concerned citizens should plan to attend the February 27 council meeting to testify in opposition to these provisions of the ordinance:
Thursday, February 27, 2025
8:30 am
2nd Floor Council Chambers
555 Walnut St
Abilene, TX 79601
Background
This proposal aims to address recent dog attacks and manage the pet population in Abilene. However, the American Kennel Club is concerned about potential health risks associated with early sterilization and the impact on those who choose to keep dogs intact for hunting, participating in dog shows, and responsible breeding purposes. The city council plans to revisit this issue over the coming weeks, indicating that discussions are ongoing and public input is being considered.
Talking Points and Resources:
- Mandatory spay and neuter laws are ineffective in addressing shelter overpopulation and stray dog issues. These laws are costly to implement, challenging to enforce, and often lead pet owners to avoid routine veterinary care to hide non-compliance.
- The proposed commercial breeder licensing requirement fails to distinguish between actual commercial breeders and responsible owners who maintain intact dogs for other purposes. This approach is likely to create an influx of licensed “commercial breeders” who either do not breed dogs or breed an occasional litter. It also may not be possible to obtain a commercial license in some residential areas.
- Many responsible dog owners choose to keep their pets intact for valid reasons, including health protection, participation in dog sports, and working purposes such as hunting or agriculture. Requiring a commercial breeder license for all intact dogs disregards these legitimate reasons and may result in numerous non-breeding owners being forced to obtain unnecessary licenses.
- A dog owner who breeds twelve dogs or two litters of puppies in a calendar year is not a commercial dog breeder. There are likely few if any high volume/commercial dog breeders in the city of Abilene so this ordinance specifically targets dog show participants, AKC club members, and hobby breeders.
- Ultimately, mandatory spay/neuter laws and restrictive licensing requirements often have unintended consequences, potentially increasing shelter intake and euthanasia rates rather than reducing them. Instead, communities should focus on accessible, voluntary spay/neuter programs and education to address animal population concerns effectively.
More resources on the AKC Legislative Action Center (www.akcgr.org):
- Health Risks Associated with Spay/Neuter – article with links to 55 scientific studies
- Visit the Key Issues: Mandatory/Spay Neuter
AKC Government Relations (GR) will continue to provide updates on local policy discussions in Texas. For more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.