Issues at the City, County, and Metropolitan Levels, and in US Territories
The AKC Government Relations Department is pleased to assist dog owners with canine legislation issues in their local communities, but we can’t help unless we are aware of the proposal. Please contact us at (919) 816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org when new laws are discussed or introduced in your city or county. We will provide you with resources and tools to help defend the rights of dog owners and support responsible dog ownership in your community.
Here are some examples of the local issues currently being addressed by AKC GR:
AR, Fort Smith – News stories report that city directors are discussing measures to address stray dogs and cats, including breeder licensing. City directors held a study session on November 12. AKC GR continues to monitor this issue.
KS, Wichita – The Wichita Animal Services Advisory Board met on November 16 to discuss a mandatory spay and neuter Ordinance. AKC has thus far shared our concerns with the board on numerous occasions. The board hopes to address ongoing at large dog issues and AKC will continue to oppose the development of an MSN ordinance. Read more.
LA, St. Landry Parish – An egregious proposed animal ordinance was on the agenda of the parish council on November 16, 2022. Residents report that an updated version will be carried over to a future meeting. The overreaching proposal contains vague and contradictory definitions, fails to protect the property rights of animal owners, tramples an owner’s due process rights when an animal is confiscated, seeks to establish breeder permits based on unattainable requirements, allows animal control personnel to place impounded animals with undefined “rescue organizations,” and contains numerous other problematic provisions. Read more.
TN, Nashville/Davidson County – A revised animal ordinance scheduled for a second vote on December 6, 2022. Prior to the meeting, the ordinance sponsor indicated that she intends to request that a public hearing be held on a future date. Though less egregious than the version withdrawn in June, it includes an overreaching definition of “owner,” defines arbitrary high and low temperatures and certain weather forecasts as “extreme weather conditions” that are life-threatening to animals, could require the former owner of a dangerous dog to continue providing “hazard insurance” coverage for the dog following transfer of ownership, and other problematic provisions. Read more.
TX, San Marcos- The San Marcos City Council had a final vote scheduled on November 15 for an ordinance that would require spay/neuter on first at large dog offense and it would additionally prohibit pet stores from sourcing dogs from breeders. AKC has been in contact with the city council to oppose these measures and offered to work on alternatives. The council postponed the final vote on the ordinance until 2023. Read more.
VA, Rockingham County – Rockingham County officials continue to deliberate on proposed regulations of breeders, which has undergone numerous draft changes due to advocacy by AKC GR, local clubs, and breeders. Although some arbitrary requirements to operate a commercial kennel remain in the current proposal, AKC GR was able to get some amendments to protect dogs and hobbyists. The Board held a public discussion October 12 but no action was taken. AKC GR continues to provide input. No timeline has been given for final action on the proposal.