Many thanks to the concerned fanciers and dog owners in Georgia who contacted AKC this week regarding H78, a bill to ban "pit bulls" in the state. For those who are not yet aware, H78 defines "pit bulls" as American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, or any dogs displaying characteristics of […]

The American Kennel Club this week issued a statement of thanks to Senator Liz Figueroa in appreciation of her recent removal of the ear cropping provision from SB1548. By amending the bill, the Senator was able to advance legislation that would enact beneficial regulatory changes to the veterinary community, without infringing on the rights of […]

Dear Members of the Fancy: We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for all the wonderful work you did to defeat the proposed cropping ban in California. Your efforts, your voice, your commitment to fighting this battle made the difference, and we know we would not have won this challenge without you. There is […]

July saw the successful conclusion of two federal issues of importance to the dog fancy, both of which were supported by the AKC. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) issued its long-awaited final rule strengthening the federal Animal Care regulations applicable to commercial dog dealers. Also, Congress enacted the "Minor Use and Minor […]

What began in June with an amendment to an otherwise widely-supported veterinary medical bill ended Wednesday when sponsor Senator Liz Figueroa agreed to remove the ear cropping ban from California SB1548. This victory is significant on many levels. Most obviously, California dog owners will now continue to enjoy the right to make their own informed, […]

Concerned dog owners who have long relied on Taking Command's print coverage of canine legislation issues across the country will now have the newsletter delivered to their e-mail boxes monthly. Taking Command will continue to feature a broad range of articles on local, state and federal issues as well as our "Around the Nation" legislative […]

In a landmark 4-3 decision handed down on September 22nd, the Supreme Court of Ohio ruled that a statute penalizing owners of dangerous dogs who fail to buy liability insurance and properly confine their animals was unconstitutional. The Court held that the law (R.C. 955.22) violated a dog owner’s right to due process because it […]

Despite strong opposition and lobbying efforts by concerned dog owners and the AKC, the Boston City Council approved a breed-specific dangerous dog ordinance on June 23rd. Prior to its passage, the measure was amended to include a mandatory spay/neuter provision for all "pit bulls." Pit bulls are defined as American Pit Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull […]

Albuquerque City Councilwoman Sally Mayer has proposed sweeping changes to the city's animal control ordinance that would drastically impact fanciers' rights to breed their dogs. To view the proposed changes click here: http://www.cabq.gov/council/animalord.pdf. The measure's restrictive provisions include: An annual $150 permit for each unaltered dog or cat over six months old.   A $150 […]

California fanciers cheered at today’s Assembly Appropriations Committee hearing when Senator Liz Figueroa removed the ear cropping prohibition from SB1548. Stating that she did not want to jeopardize the otherwise non-controversial veterinary bill from passing, Senator Figueroa amended her bill to delete the ear cropping language, and the measure quickly passed out of committee with […]