ALERT* Phoenix AZ - Legislative Ag-Fest - January 21, 2009

Phoenix AZ - Legislative Ag Fest will be held January 21at the State Capitol. The goal is to reach as many state legislators as possible and show them how diverse agriculture is in Adminzona and help them see we need their support. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m.


For more information, contact Paul Brierley at 480.635.3612 or
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ALERT* - California - Riverside & Santa Barbara/Santa Maria Meetings


Riverside County


Be there on 1-13-09 at 9:30 Board Chambers on the first floor at 4080 Lemon Street in Riverside, in the mean time we need to FLOOD the Supervisors with information, with objections, with visits, with why this is not a good thing for our county.

Link to Board of Supervisors
http://www.countyofriverside.us/portal/page/portal/cornew/Government/BoardofSupervisors


Supervisor Bob Buster: district1@rcbos.org
Supervisor John Tavaglione: district2@rcbos.org
Supervisor Jeff Stone: district3@rcbos.org
Supervisor Roy Wilson: district4@rcbos.org
Supervisor Marion Ashley: district5@rcbos.org

Link to proposed Ordinance:

New Animal Services ordinance set for introduction December 16, 2008. | Download Ordinance No. 630.12 - an Ordinance of the County of Riverside Amending Ordinance No. 630.11 Relating to Dogs and Cats









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Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA Task Force Mtg Weds 1.7.09


Wednesday January 7 4:00-6:00pm
Primary Location: Board of Supervisors Conference Room, 511 E.
Lakeside Parkway, Santa Maria, CA 93455
Teleconference Location: Board of Supervisors Hearing Room, 105 E.
Anapamu St. (4th floor) Santa Barbara,CA 93101


Next meeting:
January 21 Primary location Board of Supervisors Hearing Room, Santa
Barbara
(videoconferencing at Board of Supervisors Conference Room, Santa Maria)







PLEASE CROSS POST LEAVING THIS POST INTACT. PLEASE SHARE WITH ANYONE YOU KNOW WHO HAS CONNECTIONS TO SANTA BARBARA COUNTY.

The next SNAP (Spay Neuter Action Plan) Task Force for Santa Barbara County will meet in Santa Maria on Wednesday January 7, 2009 (time to be confirmed). It will be at a new location in Santa Maria providing simultaneous closed circuit participation in Santa Barbara for those who can't make the trip to Santa Maria.

Dr. Ron Faoro task force chair (and former President CVMA and supporter of AB 1634) is doing better and will continue to chair the meetings. He was in a serious paragliding accident in November before the Tea Fire (during which his house burned).

Remember that the task force members are heavily weighted from the pro mandatory sterilization view so it is vital that those opposed to MSN come to every meeting and speak and communicate with their supervisors on this issue regularly.

If you have any questions about the location or concerns contact: Susan Klein-Rothschild Task Force Facilitator Phone (805) 681-5435 and the County Board of Supervisors (contact information at the bottom of this email).

I hear that the next two meetings will primarily involve discussion over ideas to reduce over population. The fact that there is actual discussion is a victory for those of us who sent in communication to the Supervisors as the meetings were previously railroaded by the Chair Dr Faoro. During the actual meeting, those in the audience can interject their ideas by first raising their hand and getting permission from the chair. This is a new development at the last meeting as the initial meetings the chair only allowed limited public comment at the end.

Future meetings. As we lost 3 meetings from November December I expect additional ones will be added so this topic can be discussed in further detail.

Thanks for your support of responsible pet owners in Santa Barbara County.

Diane
(Member Channel City Kennel Club, Dachshund Club of California and Dachsund Club of America)


For task force meeting minutes and agenda:
http://www.sbcphd.org/snap/default.html


Task Force Press Release
http://www.countyofsb.org/uploadedFiles/ceo/SpayNeuterTaskForce091508Revised.pdf

Santa Barbara County Spay/Neuter Ordinance Task Force Members
Listed by the Supervisor who appointed them Biographical information courtesy of Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors Press release

1st District: Salud Carbajal, Chair Phone:(805) 568-2186 Fax: (805) 568-2534
E-mail: SupervisorCarbajal@sbcbos1.org
Ron Faoro, DVM Ron is a veterinarian who has been a practicing in Santa Barbara for twenty-seven years. In 2006-2007, he served as president of the California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), where finding consensus among the 7,000 veterinarians in California was his mandate. He is also the owner of two cats and one dog.
Shirley Jansen Shirley is founder of Dog Adoption and Welfare Group (DAWG), Santa Barbara's no-kill dog shelter and veterinary clinic. She is an interested citizen involved in a private animal group and animal rescue group. She is the owner of four dogs.
Eliane Martin Eliane has been a lead volunteer with the Animal Shelter Assistance Program (ASAP) and has been a Board member of this organization since 2004. She is involved in a public animal volunteer group and animal rescue group. She is also the owner of one cat.

2nd District: Janet Wolf Phone: (805) 568-2191 Fax: (805) 568-2283
E-mail: jwolf@sbcbos2.org
Heidi Thorson, JD Heidi is an attorney who has training and experience with conflict resolution and mediation. She has been on the Board of Directors of DogPAC Santa Barbara for five years and is an active volunteer with several Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever Breed Rescue organizations. She is the owner of one cat and recently lost a dog to cancer.
Lisa Kenyon Lisa has work experience in "Quality Circles-employee involvement teams", employee relations committees, and many cross-company task teams through her work as a Human Services Resource Manager. She is a volunteer and adoption counselor with K-9 Pals and she spent three years on the Board of Directors. She is the owner of three dogs and two cats.

3rd District: Brooks Firestone Phone:(805) 568-2192 Fax: (805) 568-2883 Solvang: (805) 686-5095 Fax: (805) 686-8133 E-mail: bfirestone@co.santa-barbara.ca.us
Mikki Capparelli-Lally Mikki has experience with team efforts as a director member of the Directors Guild of America and the American Film Institute and other related professional endeavors. One of her avocations is dog sports and competition, with a special interest in the study of dog behavior and dog training techniques using operant and classical behavioral methods. She is the owner of three dogs.
Paul McEnroe Paul worked for many years in engineering development and senior management where he participated in hundreds of task forces and team-oriented activities. He retired and moved to Santa Barbara County in 1994, as co-owner and operator of Rancho La Purisima, a working cattle ranch. He is currently vice-president of the Santa Barbara County Cattleman's Association and the owner of two dogs.

4th District: Joni Gray Lompoc: (805) 737-7700 Santa Maria: (805) 346-8407
E-mail: jgray@co.santa-barbara.ca.us
Linda Greco Linda is nurse who has been a Bonita 4-H Leader for fifteen years. She has been involved in the Four Leaf Clover Foundation, including as director and president. She was the co-founding director of the Santa Barbara County Animal Care Foundation, Inc. She is the owner of three dogs, three cats, and one guinea pig.
Andy Mills Andy was raised on family ranches and has worked in the ranching industry almost all his life. He currently serves as the Stewardship Director of the California Rangeland Trust, the conservation arm of the California's Cattlemen's Association as well as External Affairs Director for Hollister Ranch. He is the owner of two dogs.

5th District: Joseph Centeno, Vice Chair Santa Maria: (805) 346-8400 Fax: (805) 346-8404 E-mail: jcenteno@co.santa-barbara.ca.us
Tom Freeman Tom has been involved with dogs since 1970. He is a founder and serves as coordinator for Canine Ambassadors, a group of handlers with dogs that visit the youth of Santa Barbara and surrounding communities. He has trained dogs to high titles in obedience, rally, and agility. He has also published poems about dogs.
Bonnie Royster Bonnie has owned and operated six businesses over the past 35 years related to food, personnel, and catering . She has an interest in animals and their treatment. She has served on many community boards and owned six animals. She is currently the owner of one poodle.


ALERT* Tea, South Dakota - BSL Meeting January 5, 2009
Tea, SD: Pit bull rules stay for now (removal of BSL to be considered Jan. 5)




Tea City Council will reconsider their breed ban on January 5, 2009, at 7:00 PM at Tea City Hall.
Tea City Hall, 600 E. 1st St., PO Box 128, Tea, SD 57064
605-498-5191

tea@iw.net

ALERT - York County, South Carolina - Meeting January 5, 2009

York County


Animal Control Ordinance Public Hearing and Second Reading 12/03/2008
Click here for more details.

The York County Council will conduct a public hearing and have second reading of the proposed Animal Control Ordinance on Monday, January 5, 2008. The Council meeting will begin at 7 pm in the Council Chambers at the Agricultural Building in York (6 South Congress Street). To view the proposed ordinance, Click Here.

Raleigh, N.C. - (12/4/08) - In the wake of the American Veterinary Medical Association's recent announcement that it condemns cropping the ears and docking the tails of dogs as breed standards, PETA has sent an urgent letter to American Kennel Club (AKC) President and CEO Dennis Sprung urging him to ban these painful mutilations. PETA is also calling on the AKC to alter breed standards in order to discourage breeding dogs for traits that cause debilitating health problems (such as long ears which are prone to infection) and genetic defects that can result in painful skin conditions, bone problems, and heart failure, among many other problems.

In its letter, PETA points out that the AKC's British counterpart, The Kennel Club, is currently examining and revising standards for 209 breeds and has already changed the breed standard for Pekingese dogs, whose flat faces often cause breathing problems and make the animals prone to overheating.

"Breed standards that encourage dogs' ears and tails to be chopped off have already caused enough suffering," says PETA Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch. "When breeders attempt to create exact replicas within breeds, they help perpetuate inherited diseases that doom dogs to a lifetime of suffering and their guardians to an avalanche of vet bills."

For more information and to view the letter, please visit PETA's blog.



And now, on to our regularly scheduled monthly report ...

STATES - IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER





ALABAMA

Etowah County - Gadsden - (12/3/08) - The Humane Society of Etowah County has asked the Gadsden City Council to consider passing a law requiring mandatory spaying and neutering of dogs and cats. The organization talked with the council about such a law in 2006 and the group's president, Mike Gagliardo, asked the council Tuesday during its work session prior to the council meeting to consider an ordinance drafted by City Attorney Roger Kirby. Gagliardo said pet owners could be required to buy a one-time permit issued after a dog or cat had been spayed or neutered and that a tag - similar to a rabies tag - then could be worn by the pet. Such an ordinance would generate revenue for the city, according to Gagliardo. He said like required rabies vaccination is enforced with a rabies tag, a spaying and neutering ordinance also would be enforced by a tag. He said the city would have to decide if it wanted to distinguish between someone who wanted to have an animal bred on a one-time basis and someone who was in the breeding business. The proposed law as drafted would require all dogs or cats 4 months old or older to be spayed or neutered. The ordinance exempts kennels licensed by the city's Revenue Department. People temporarily harboring an animal for 14 days or less would not be required to have the animal spayed or neutered. Gagliardo said there is a place for "responsible breeding" of dogs and cats. He said a breeder should acquire a business license like other businesses do.



ALASKA

No Report for Alaska



AdminZONA

AZ SB 1005
Session: 2009 (1/12/09 thru 4/21/09 Prefiled)
Sponsor: Harper
Summary:
Rabies vaccination certificate; county enforcement.
History:
Status not available Listed 12/15/08


Cottonwood - city is proposing to make spay and neutering of dogs and cats mandatory. A public meeting will discuss a proposed ordinance Thursday (12/09/08) at 5:30 p.m. in council chambers. Under the plan, all dogs and cats must be neutered or spayed. Licenses for animals that are not "fixed" would cost more than if they are altered UPDATE: (12/13/08) - Proponents of a mandatory spay and neuter program came face-to face with a line of opposition Thursday evening. But by the time the meeting ended the room had reached some consensus. The meeting was to comply with a promise to the Cottonwood City Council that United Animal Friends and the Friends of Feral Felines would present to a public meeting the information they shared with the council in October to support a spay and neuter law to reduce the number of excess animals killed in shelters Most who gathered for the meeting were opposed to the word "mandatory" when connected with spay and neuter and did not want breeders to underwrite low-cost spay and neutering for irresponsible pet owners. The room was filled with dog breeders, who described themselves as "responsible" and "professional."

South Tucson - (12/9/08) - South Tucson now has new rules regarding dogs in effect, but the resident most effected by the ordinance is trying to find a way around one aspect of the new law. The Tucson Dog Protection Act was approved by South Tucson voters last month. The initiative requires that dogs be in their crates no more than 18 hours a day, that their meat either cooked or not from animals that were dead before slaughter, and that female dogs not be given steroids, which keeps them from going into heat and makes them easier to handle around male dogs. The Adminzona Department of Racing said that its staff at the track will report violations of the ordinance and provide witness testimony if necessary. However, the department also said that is does not have the resources to investigate violations of a rule that is not its own.

Yuma - (11/18/08) - The Yuma County Board of Supervisors has adopted a new animal control ordinance. However, it only consolidates two previous measures and does not add new regulations for pet owners, said Greg Ferguson, board chaiman. Ordinance No. 08-06, adopted unanimously by the board, amends Ordinances 86-25 and 96-01 that prohibited dogs from running at large and regulated unrestrained barking by dogs. The new ordinance continues the Humane Society's mandate to pick up stray dogs and respond to endangered dogs. It also has provisions governing biting and vicious dogs, licensing and tags. Animal abuse will remain a criminal offense. Regulation of other animals such as horses comes under other statutes.





ARKANSAS

Little Rock - (11/22/08) - Arkansas and Alabama are the only states that still require annual rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats, but that could change in the 2009 session. What You Can Do to Help: Contact the Arkansas Legislature and ask them to pass the 3 year rabies legislation when it is introduced and request that a medical exemption clause for sick animals be included. Because of improvements to the vaccine over the years, and the growing number of pets that continue to go unvaccinated every year, especially in rural areas of the state, the state Department of Health has included in its legislative package a recommendation that the time period between trips to the vets for the shot be extended to every three years.




CALIFORNIA

Kern County - (12/13/08) - Kern County supervisors will be asked to launch two different animal control projects with two different price tags Tuesday afternoon. One is to build a new Animal Control administration building, the other funding teams to tour county areas of Bakersfield enforcing licensing and other animal control laws. The building would come with a one-time cost of an estimated $897,700. One enforcement team three people and some equipment would cost $170,000 a year.The building would replace an old trailer home used as headquarters. The enforcement team could bring in as much as $343,500 a year in new license revenue if it works. Animal Control Chief Denise Haynes said both the enforcement teams and building are needed. But supervisors potentially facing tens of millions of dollars in staff and service cuts this year might have trouble opening the bank for either project.

Lake Forest - Orange County - (11/19/08) - City officials on Tuesday gave the go-ahead to a program aimed at stopping pet overpopulation and high euthanasia rates at the Orange County shelter. The City Council voted unanimously to provide a subsidized spay-neuter voucher program as part of the city's Responsible Pet Ownership Program. The vouchers deemed most effective in by consulting veterinarians would be available to residents with service made available through local veterinarians. The council's OK paves the way for city staff to determine voucher guidelines as well as the anticipated cost of the program. The city also renewed their agreement with Orange County Animal Care with a fiscal year cost of $244,690. The voucher program is one of 15 initiatives that came from a nine-month city study evaluating services provided by the county shelter which currently serves 19 cities. Another animal population control option being examined includes a trap/neuter/release program for feral cats. The county is currently exploring a pilot program to address this. If successful, city officials will consider the program for Lake Forest.

Riverside County - (12/10/08) - The Riverside County Board of Supervisors tentatively approved a new anti-nuisance ordinance today aimed at silencing noisy dogs by assessing fines on their owners that can range as high as $500. Under current county law, when a resident in an unincorporated area complains about a barking, howling or otherwise noisy dog, an Animal Services officer investigates the matter, generally by visiting the location where the disturbance has been reported, according to Gutierrez. Under the proposed ordinance, a county administrative hearing officer -- sometimes a practicing attorney with specialization in arbitration -- will hear nuisance complaints and make a decision within days. If the board formally approves the measure after a public hearing next month, it will take effect in 30 days.

South Lake Tahoe - (12/8/08) - The council will discuss three possible options for regulating the retail sale of puppies from mass-breeding facilities known as puppy mills. The options laid out in a report to the city by Los Angeles-based lawyers Laurence Wiener and Serita Holness include a complete ban on the retail sales of puppies in the city, the collection of a licensing fee from pet stores to pay for independent inspections of a puppys breeding facility, and requiring independent veterinarian exams of puppies upon arrival at a pet store. Local interest in puppy mills increased after the opening of Brocs Puppies on Lake Tahoe Boulevard in May. Some South Shore animal advocates claim the store is selling puppy-mill dogs, but operators of Brocs have denied the allegations.


Tehama County - (11/25/08) - The Board of Supervisors took a small step toward a solution last week by creating an ad hoc committee to evaluate the feral cat population and impoundments at the Animal Care Center. The solution requires a collaborative effort and that is why Agricultural Commissioner Rick Gurrola is asking anyone who would like to join the discussion of how to address the feral cat population to call him at 527-4504. He plans to have at least one open-forum public meeting for residents to voice their ideas and concerns. Supervisor George Russell volunteered and was appointed to the committee Tuesday, along with Supervisor Ron Warner. Their first meeting will be Wednesday, and they hope to present their suggestion for the best course of action within a year.



COLORADO

No report for Colorado



CONNECTICUT

Bridgeport - (12/8/08) - The city is proposing to increase the fine for the owner of a dog that relieves itself on public property from $90 to $150. The owner of a dog found roaming at large would also increase to $150, from $100. The city must do what it has to, but there are limits. For instance, officials could raise even more money by making the dog-related fines $500 each, or $1,000. But they shouldn't do that, and won't. Even in tough budgetary times, there are boundaries, and this new round of proposals comes close to the limit on reason. It's part of a broader effort to raise money by any means possible and avoid the possibility of the state taking over city finances, which could come to pass.

Canterbury - (11/19/08) - Town officials are once again proposing a dog pound ordinance, now offering residents the choice of reopening the local facility on July 1. Sear said after hearing from residents at Saturdays Board of Selectmen meeting, he decided to create a revised version of the same ordinance, which would give voters the choice of reopening the local pound effective July 1.
Residents will hear the revised ordinance at a town meeting on Dec. 4.



DC

No Report for DC

DELAWARE

No Report for Delaware



FLORIDA

FL SB 288 (WAS SB444/2008)
Session: 2009 (3/3/09 thru 5/1/09 Prefiled)
Sponsor: Bullard
Summary:
Dogs and Cats/Sales; Requires that additional information relating to the genetic disorders to which dogs and cats are susceptible be included in the written notice that pet dealers provide to a consumer at the time of sale. Redefines the term "pet dealer" for purposes of provisions authorizing a purchaser to return an animal to the pet dealer and receive a refund, exchange the animal, or receive a reimbursement of expenses, etc. APPROPRIATION: $82,669. EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/01/2009.
History:
12/03/08 SENATE Filed


Bay County - Commissioners are also making some changes to the animal control ordinance. Changes also include a definition of a dangerous dog, and enacting stiffer penalties for damages caused by a dangerous dog. And stray dogs, picked-up by animal control, will get one chance before they'll be tattooed or injected with an information micro-chip. And dog owners whose dogs are deemed dangerous will have to face the county commission in the event of problems.

Broward County - (12/1/08) - County Commissioner Ken Keechl will ask his colleagues to discuss expanding the dangerous-dog ordinance at their weekly meeting tomorrow. Its Keechls latest attempt to crack down further on dogs that bite. The county currently deems a dog to be dangerous if it has either attacked a person at least once, has killed a domestic animal at least once or has severely injured a domestic animal without provocation on at least two occasions. The law does not define what a domestic animal is, and Keechl is suggesting closing that loophole. Dangerous dogs may be euthanized after just one attack - not only if they attack a person or another dog, but also if they attack a cat, pet ferret, pet rabbit or pet poultry.

Jacksonville Beach - (11/19/08) - The City Council showed support this week for a pilot project that could let dogs join their owners at outdoor dining areas. The council gave preliminary approval for the proposed dog dining ordinance Monday. The measure is scheduled for its final hearing and vote at the next council meeting on Monday, Dec. 1.



GEORGIA

Sandy Springs - (12/9/08) - A tract of land proposed for a park for Sandy Springs dogs is, frankly, too good for them. Thats the consensus of city leaders, who have decided to find a new spot for the hounds. The city had initially planned separate fenced-in enclosures for large and small dogs at the Great Park at Morgan Falls, an area north of the Morgan Falls dam. Since then, city workers have cleared invasive bamboo from the bluff, revealing a stunning riverfront view. On Tuesday, in a council work session, City Manager John McDonough tested the waters for moving the dog park to another spot. The switch would allow city officials to develop the bluffs portion of the Morgan Falls park as an elegant oasis for families. We didnt realize what we had, said councilman Tibby DeJulio. We realize this property is too valuable, has too much beauty. We can put the dogs any place.

HAWAII

No report for Hawaii

IDAHO

No report for Idaho



ILLINOIS

Gurnee - (11/19/08) - Officials updated the village dog ordinance Monday night as it pertains to dangerous dogs. Mayor Kristina Kovarik said the village's current dog ordinances are outdated, and she requested Village Attorney Bryan Winter to revise and incorporate recent changes made in the Illinois Animal Control Act. The proposed amendments do not ban specific breeds of dogs, nor do they arbitrarily declare a particular dog dangerous without specific due process proof.Lake County Animal and Rabies Control Ordinance remains in force. The new ordinance clarifies procedures for defining "dangerous dogs" and how to deal with them. For complete details, contact Gurnee Village Hall for a pamphlet on the new ordinance.

McHenry County - (12/3/08) - 50 Fidos could be a problem if the county decides to restrict the
number of animals that residents can have. It's hardly an unknown concept a number of McHenry County municipalities and surrounding counties already have such ordinances. But the McHenry County Board of Health Animal Control Advisory Committee tonight plans to discuss the pros and cons of
implementing such a rule at the county level. Algonquin, Johnsburg and Marengo limit residents to four domestic animals, while Lakewood's ordinance limits up to four dogs and cats. Huntley limits residents to three domestic animals, while Cary and Fox River Grove have a three-dog limit and no limit on cats.
Kane and Lake counties limit ownership to three dogs and three cats, while Lake County allows more with additional acreage. Largely agricultural Boone County places no limits on cats but limits residents to owning 10 dogs. Cook County leaves limits to municipalities. Cities that do not limit the number of pets include Harvard, Lakemoor, McHenry, Richmond, Spring Grove and Woodstock. UPDATE: (12/04/08) - Tonight's meeting of the McHenry County Animal Control Advisory Committee has been canceled because of the ongoing snowstorm. The committee had planned to discuss limiting the number of domestic animals residents can own. The meeting has been rescheduled for 7 p.m. Jan. 7 at the McHenry County Animal Control & Adoption Center, 100 N. Virginia St., Crystal Lake.




INDIANA

Portage - Second District Councilman Brendan Clancy is asking his fellow council members to consider adding language to city codes that would define vicious dogs and establish penalties for those dogs defined as vicious and for "repeat offenders." The new city language would align with state statute by defining a vicious dog as one "deemed to be vicious if it belongs to a breed of dog that does, or has been deemed to have a propensity toward a violent disposition regardless of the actual nature of the dog." The definition includes, but doesn't limit, vicious dogs as being wolf hybrids, coydogs, rottweilers, pit bulls, German shepherds, akitas and Doberman Pincers.

Putnam County - Greencastle - Bainbridge - (12/3/08) - As the Humane Society of Putnam County looks toward reopening in the near future, the issue of animal control is on the minds of shelter representatives and local officials. Bohmer stressed the importance of spaying and neutering, one of the shelter's biggest expenses. "No animal is adopted out without being spayed or neutered," she said. "By having a strong spay-neuter program in a community, animals coming into the shelter and animal control complaints will diminish." Rogers said stray animals are also a public safety hazard. Bainbridge Town Clerk Jason Hartman said a spay-neuter ordinance was in the works for Bainbridge, as well as a spay-neuter-release program for feral cats. Bainbridge has also hired a part-time animal control officer, he said, and will be having an animal inoculation clinic in the near future. A follow-up meeting will be held after the first of the year, after the HSPC comes up with a solid budget and plan of action.



IOWA

Logan - No decisions were made at the Logan City Council meeting Nov. 24 regarding changes to the present dog ordinance. At the last meeting, Ron Placek, a resident, had requested the council revisit the ordinance. He asked all pit bulls be banned from town and no grandfather clause used. The council reviewed the ordinances Placek provided at the last meeting that are being used in various communities in the area.

West Liberty - An emotional outcry from pit bull owners drives council to drop breed ban at the meeting of the West Liberty City Council Tuesday, Dec. 2



KANSAS

Arkansas City - (11/19/08) - Arkansas City may ban the dog breed Presa Canario at its meeting tonight at 7, at City Hall. The dog is large, aggressive and has been known to kill people, Mayor Mel Kuhn said. There are eight dog breeds on a list the city is considering, and each of them are some variant of the Pit Bull, which the city has already banned Commissioners said they do not want to get into the banning of a lot of breeds of dogs, so they will likely ban this one and make the current laws about vicious dogs stronger. The other breeds are: American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, Bull Mastiff, Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog and the Presa Canario, known as the Canary Dog.

Lawrence - (12/3/08) - The executive director of the Lawrence Humane Society, clarified that the Humane Society "has no opinion about keeping fowl" in city limits and is neither for nor against it. But she raised some questions for the commission to consider: How many fowl will be allowed? How large must the property be? What kind of fowl will be allowed? (Peacocks, guineas and roosters are all very loud.) Will there be regulations for coops, cleanliness and parasite control? Will fines be imposed if fowl leave their owner's property? If a dog or cat kills fowl, will the dog or cat be considered "dangerous"? Will there be a regulation against butchering fowl for meat? The final decision was that city staff would develop regulations to be voted on at a future meeting. UPDATE: (12/8/08) - During Tuesdays commission meeting, commissioners were asked to address concerns about the vagueness of Lawrences laws regarding live fowl and domesticated hedgehogs kept within city limits. Midge Grinstead, executive director of the Lawrence Humane Society, initiated the discussion with a list of concerns about the laws.

Wichita - (11/15/08) - The city of Wichita is asking area veterinarians if it should change its ordinance requiring dogs to be vaccinated yearly against rabies. What You Can Do to Help: Give the Wichita City Council a call and ask them to adopt a 3 year protocol with a medical exemption clause for sick animals.



LOUISIANA

No report for Louisiana



MAINE

Augusta - (12/12/08) - The Maine Animal Welfare Advisory Council will meet December 17 before submitting a proposal to the Legislature for new laws that would take total control of hobby dog breeding, scrap constitutional requirements for search and seizure warrants, and fund the entire state animal control program on the backs of law abiding dog owners. The Council meeting is open to the public. It is set for p.m. Dec. 17 at 1 p.m. at the AMHI Complex on the second floor of the Deering Building in Augusta. We urge all Maine dog owners to attend. The proposal for new laws must be presented in its final form to the Legislatures Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry by January 15. While dog owners are included on the task force, it is weighted heavily towards animal shelters, rescue groups, animal control officers, local government officials and extreme animal rights groups. The radical Humane Society of the United States, which is solely a political action group aiming toward the eventual elimination of animal ownership in America, and the even more radical People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, are represented by members of the committee. Dog owners are represented by the Federation of Maine Dog Clubs, the American Kennel Club, the Down East Sled Dog Club and a licensed kennel owner. They comprise less than a quarter of the committee members. People who own dogs of the hunting breeds are not directly represented.
The legislative proposal stems from state Animal Welfare Division Director Norma Worley, who has begun an intensive enforcement campaign that has resulted in the seizure of more tan 500 dogs this year. Worleys aggressive tactics have resulted in overspending her departments budget by $660,000, as of October. Here are some contacts to plug you into the informal coalition of concerned dog owners:
Contact Kathy Hartley at shock360@aol. com to work with independent dog owners. Contact the Federation of Maine Dog Clubs to offer you support by writing Secretary Nola Soper at soperkenel@aol. com. Contact the Penobscot Hunting Retriever Club at wassookg@uninets. net. Or contact asda@csonline. net, and well make sure that you become part of the network.

MARYLAND
Wicomico - (11/19/08) - Wicomico County Council voted Tuesday to postpone a decision on a dog law that would add severe penalties for violent attacks and deviant behavior. Council President John Cannon said at the meeting that too many terms in the dog law needs further clarification before it can be adopted. The dog law will die if the council fails to adopt it before Dec. 20, said County Attorney Ed Baker. UPDATE: (12/1/08) - The Wicomico County Council is expected Tuesday to tinker with two proposals -- one dealing with dangerous dogs. On Nov. 18, the council voted to postpone a law that would beef up the county's dog laws. The law spells out standards of animal care, but also severely increases penalties for owners of dogs deemed dangerous by an Animal Appeals Board, at $1,000 for the first offense. Police officers could for the first time, under the law, write citations for dogs whose barking habits are ruled a public nuisance. Councilman Bill McCain had called for a work session to go over concerns from a Nov. 12 public hearing. Some residents said they are worried the law goes too far and that complaints against their pets can be exaggerated when one neighbor wants to punish another. The dog bill will die if not approved by Dec. 20, said County Attorney Ed Baker.



MASSACHUSETTS

Acton - (11/29/08) - Theres a chance some dog owners might be unhappy canine issues have resurfaced in town government. But local officials say theyre just trying to enforce existing regulations. Last year, the town instructed dog owners to keep their pooches leashed at NARA Park after considering stricter regulations at other public areas in town.Now, canine walkers could someday see monetary penalties for bringing their dogs to cemeteries leashed or unleashed if the Cemetery Commission has its way. There are already signs informing the public that dogs arent allowed posted at the entrances to the towns three cemeteries Woodlawn Cemetery on Concord Road, Mount Hope Cemetery on Central Street and Forest Cemetery on Carlisle Road. But the cemetery commissioners say the signs are largely ineffective. Selectmen said they sympathized with the cemetery commissioners and urged them to come up with a proposed bylaw to bring to Town Meeting.

Lowell - city council will be holding a hearing Tuesday (December 9, 2008) on an ordinance that would require any "pit bull or pit bull type dog" to be muzzled in public. Proof of residency will be required upon entrance to the meeting.

Reading - (11/28/08) - After receiving complaints about dog owners not cleaning up after their beloved canines on the towns artificial turf fields, town officials have barked back. The Board of Selectmen voted 4-1 Nov. 25 to enforce a policy prohibiting dogs on any turf fields and within any fenced areas surrounding turf fields. Two turf fields are located at Reading Memorial High School and the third is located at the W.S. Parker Middle School. While the fields also lie on school property, the School Committee plans to also adopt a similar policy, Hechenbleikner said.

MICHIGAN

No report for Michigan



MINNESOTA

Northfield - (11/18/08) - The Northfield Council met Monday and set up procedures in which dogs can be declared dangerous and put down. This month a dog who had attacked three people was declared dangerous. City attorney Maren Swanson said shes rewriting city ordinances regarding potentially dangerous dogs, those which have shown a willingness to attack. Swanson said shell soon present a draft ordinance to the council. Currently, potentially dangerous dogs cant be removed from their owners. The city has determined a second dog involved in the three attacks is potentially
dangerous.

Savage - (12/7/08) - Changes in the state statute relating to dangerous animal requirements are being incorporated into city ordinances and were approved by the Savage City Council on Monday night (Dec. 1). But the changes resulted in a lot of questions. Councilman Gene Abbott asked about a section of the ordinance that used the term willful trespass when considering an animal as dangerous.

Verndale - (12/11/08) - Discussion of proposed changes to the city of Verndale public nuisance ordinance at last weeks city council meeting elicited frustrations over trespassing animals and concerns about restricting trailers stored on private property. Audience members at the meeting asked council members about the possible ordinance changes. Weve had nuisance ordinances, but weve never had any teeth behind it, explained Mayor Wayne Stave. We need to get some teeth. The mention of public nuisance immediately drew a response of cats and dogs. The council decided to schedule a public hearing to review the draft ordinance at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 22 prior to the regular 6 p.m. end-of-the year council meeting. Clerk Dawn Nelson gave the draft ordinance to the city attorney for review prior to the public hearing. The draft defines public nuisances in the city of Verndale affecting health, safety, comfort or repose; morals and decency; and peace and safety. It describes penalties for violating the ordinance such as a fine of not more than $1,000 or imprisonment in the county jail for not more than 90 days, or both upon conviction. The ordinance is available for review at the Verndale City office. It is also available right here !



MISSISSIPPI

Ridgeland - (11/18/08) - Ridgeland city leaders are expected to discuss a controversial proposal tonight that may call for the banning of certain dog breeds from the city. Mayor Gene McGee said Monday that the Board of Aldermen and the city's attorneys will review the proposal in a closed session tonight following the board's regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. in Ridgeland City Hall. The city first presented a proposed amendment to the animal control ordinance in September that called for the banning of pit bulls, Rottweilers, Staffordshire bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers and their offspring in Ridgeland. UPDATE - (11/19/08) - Ridgeland city leaders met behind closed doors to discuss amending the ordinance to include a breed specific ban. The city attorney apprised aldermen of the possible litigation involved with the ban. No action was taken following the executive session. Mayor McGee hopes to have an amendment to the animal control ordinance presented to the board in January. UPDATE City of Ridgeland is considering putting some teeth into its animal control ordinance. Talks in October ended with no changes but were met with outcries from the public on both sides of the issue. Ridgeland city leaders met behind closed doors to discuss amending the ordinance to include a breed specific ban. No action was taken following the executive session. Mayor McGee hopes to have an amendment to the animal control ordinance presented to the board in January

West Point - no formal action was taken on Tuesday (12/09/08), the Board of Selectmen will be considering in future work sessions a proposal by a local group to change the city's current ordinance with respect to "vicious dogs" to include specific breeds, including but not limited to, pit bulls, chow chows, doberman pinschers and German Shepherds.




MISSOURI

MO SB 63
Session: 2009 (1/7/09 thru 5/15/09 Prefiled)
Sponsor: Rupp
Summary:
Modifies various provisions relating to dog fighting.
History:
12/1/2008 Prefiled


Fayette - (11/24/08) - The proposed animal ordinance received lengthy public comment at the regular Fayette city council meeting Tuesday. During citizen participation, three persons expressed disagreement with the prohibition against pit bulls in the proposed dog ordinance. Another objected to the three-dog limit since she owns five coon hunting dogs and feels there are others who own more than three dogs for hunting purposes. The council went ahead with the first reading of the proposed animal ordinance. A second reading is required before the ordinance becomes law. Council members will continue to discuss the issue with constituents before making a final decision. Once signed into law, the following provisions would apply:
. Pit bulls will not be allowed within the city limits. . Pit bulls already residing within the city limits must be registered with the city and securely confined or on a leash with a muzzle. . Each household may have a maximum of three dogs. Households which currently have more than three dogs may keep all pets, but must register pets. . An owner's animal may not impede any governmental city,
county, state or federal employee in the performance of his or her duty. A violation will result in a fine of not less than $100. . An owner's animal may not impede any person using public property, such as
a sidewalk or right of way. Fine for violation: not less than $100. . All dogs must be leashed when off of the owner's property. . All dogs must be licensed with the city. Licenses are renewed annually and
require rabies vaccination given by a licensed veterinarian. License tags must be attached to the dog's collar. . Dogs of a cross or vicious disposition must be securely confined at all times. (Same restrictions as for pit bulls.) Dogs which are impounded by the city may be redeemed by their owners upon payment of a $5 boarding fee per day and a $25 fine. Second and third impoundments result in higher fines up to $150. Citizens who have concerns with the proposed animal ordinance should contact their council person and attend the next council meeting, Dec. 2.


Herculaneum - Board of Aldermen is working on an ordinance that would ban the ownership of pit bulls in the city limits

Jefferson - (12/8/08) - To create an incentive for residents to spay and neuter their pets, a Jefferson City Council committee is contemplating updating the city's ordinance on animals running loose.
Owners of pets caught running free are currently fined $25 for a first offense, $100 for a second offense and $150 for a third offense. Under the proposed ordinance, the minimum fines would be raised to $150, $250 and $400 for non-spayed and non-neutered animals. However, under the new ordinance, the lower fines would remain in place for animals that are spayed and neutered.

Perryville - (11/24/08) - City Council held a public hearing Tuesday (11/18/08) night to discuss the possibility of enacting an ordinance banning pit bulls. The draft of the proposed ordinance states that any dog deemed "dangerous" would have to be spayed or neutered in order to remain in city limits, and the owner must maintain a policy of liability insurance to cover any incident with the animal. The draft also reads "it shall be unlawful for any person to own, possess, keep, exercise control over, maintain, harbor, transport, or sell within the city limit any pit bull." The ordinance contains a grandfather clause, meaning anyone who already owned one of these dogs before the ordinance became official, if it is passed, will be exempt provided they maintain a liability insurance policy on the dog. A pit bill is defined as any dog that is an American pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier or any dog displaying characteristics recognized by the American Kennel Club as associated with those breeds. UPDATE - (12/02/08) city council moved to discard the breed specific ordinance they were considering, in favor of tougher dangerous dog ordinances. They were in agreement that breed specific ordinances would not serve the best interest of their community.

Senath - (12/10/08) - The Senath City Council met on Monday, Dec. 7, discussing the growth of dangerous dogs being kept in the city illegally. The city will pursue the enforcement of muzzle requirements for dangerous dog's outside of their required residence, according to the council. The muzzle requirements are to ensure the dangerous dogs are unable to bite citizens and unable to bite other animals in the city. These muzzles must restrict the dog from biting, but also be comfortable and provide no harm to the dog.



MONTANA

MT LC 1194
Session: 2009 (1/5/09 thru 4/28/09 Prefiled)
Sponsor: Moss
Summary:
State dog.
History:
12/01/2008 (C) Draft Request Received


MT LC 1693
Session: 2009 (1/5/09 thru 4/28/09 Prefiled)
Sponsor: Mcalpin
Summary:
Require inspection for dog breeding facilities.
History:
12/05/2008 (C) Draft Request Received



MT LC 1338
Session: 2009 (1/5/09 thru 4/28/09 Prefiled)
Sponsor: Blewett
Summary:
Revise dog bite laws. [[An act imposing strict liability on a dog owner for any injury to an individual caused by a dog anywhere within the state; amending section 27-1-715, mca; and providing an immediate effective date.]]
History:
12/15/2008 (C) Draft in Final Drafter Review 12/15/2008 (C) Draft in Input/Proofing 12/15/2008 (C) Draft to Drafter - Edit Review [SAB] 12/15/2008 (C) Draft in Edit 12/15/2008 (C) Draft in Legal Review 12/15/2008 (C) Draft Back for Redo 12/12/2008 (C) Draft in Assembly/Executive Director Review 12/12/2008 (C) Draft in Final Drafter Review 12/11/2008 (C) Bill Draft Text Available Electronically 12/11/2008 (C) Draft in Input/Proofing 12/10/2008 (C) Draft to Drafter - Edit Review [SAB] 12/10/2008 (C) Draft in Edit 12/10/2008 (C) Draft in Legal Review 12/04/2008 (C) Draft to Requester for Review 12/03/2008 (C) Draft to Requester for Review 12/03/2008 (C) Draft Request Received



NEVADA

The 75th Regular Session of the Nevada Legislature will begin on February 2, 2009.

AB15 (BDR 50 - 203)- Requiring notice of any sterilization requirements for dogs and cats required by local ordinance to be posted in a public park and office of each licensed veterinarian: require a retailer of dealer who sells a dog or cat to disclose to the purchaser any sterilization requirements for the animal required by local ordinance; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.
Referred to Committee on Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Mining

SB 57 (BDR 54-419)- An Act relating to veterinary medicine: revising the list of activities that may be preformed without a veterinary license; authorizing the Nevada State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners to approve foreign equivalency programs; authorizing the Board to grant a license without examination to veterinarians licensed in another State; requiring the renewal of licenses and certificates of registration biennially rather than annually; authorizing the Board to adopt regulations establishing grounds for disciplinary action against certain facilities and veterinarians; and providing other matter properly relating thereto.g Bill Draft Requests (BDR) have been pre-filed however the text is not available at this time Referred to Committee on Commerce and Labor
BDR - 50 - 26 Clarifies provisions prohibiting cruelty to animals - Senator Townsend
BDR - 50 - 369 Revises provisions governing the treatment of animals - Senator Townsend Note: BDR refers to Bill Draft Request. BDR text is released when it becomes a bill.



NEW HAMPSHIRE

Proposed bills for 2009

2009-H-0315-R relative to investigation and enforcement of animal abuse laws. - Sponsors: (Prime) Tara A Sad
2009-H-0366-R allowing physical therapists to practice on animals. - Sponsors: (Prime) Kevin D Hodges
2009-H-0738-R relative to fences as private nuisances. - Sponsors: (Prime) Barbara E Shaw
2009-H-0754-R relative to a New Hampshire state house cat. - Sponsors: (Prime) Steven W Lindsey
2009-H-0777-L relative to horse licenses. - Sponsors: (Prime) Carla M Skinder
2009-H-0778-L permitting the issue of temporary vendor permits for certain animal sellers. - Sponsors: (Prime) Carla M Skinder
2009-H-0779-R relative to the composition of the fish and game commission. Sponsors: (Prime) Carla M Skinder
2009-H-0780-R relative to civil proceedings for forfeiture of animals. - Sponsors: (Prime) Carla M Skinder
2009-S-0875-R establishing pet friendly special number plates. - Sponsors: (Prime) Sheila Roberge
2009-S-0918-R establishing requirements for practicing animal chiropractic care. - Sponsors: (Prime) John T Gallus


NEW JERSEY

No report for New Jersey



NEW MEXICO

Bernalillo - (12/9/08) - Click on the link to view the new Bernalillo County ordinance and fees.

Bernalillo - (12/12/08) - Commissioners moved Tuesday to prohibit the sale of cats and dogs at pet stores unless the store has an approved hobby breeder permit, according to the commissioners administrator. The measure was approved as an amendment to an animal control ordinance also approved at the Board of County Commissioners meeting. Details of the permitting process were not immediately available.

Las Cruces - (11/18/08) - If you have barking dogs that your neighbors have complained about, or a vehicle that goes boom-boom-boom because the volume of its bass is turned up high, the Las Cruces City Council said Monday you'd better muzzle the pet or turn the stereo down. The seven-member council unanimously approved amendments to the city's noise and nuisance ordinances that will establish a minimum $100 penalty for anyone found guilty in Municipal Court of violating the ordinances. No longer will a violator be able to work out a lesser penalty for violating either ordinance."The judges will not have the ability to defer a sentence," City Attorney Fermin Rubio said. "It will make a fine mandatory upon a conviction." Amendments to the ordinances were introduced to the council two weeks ago. The revised ordinances now stipulate that an "offender shall be sentenced to a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500. In addition, the offender may be sentenced up to 90 days in jail." The new penalties could go into effect as soon as Nov. 26. Citations will be issued at the discretion of police and codes enforcement officers. Noise penalties, click here. Nuisance penalties, click here.



NEW YORK

Brookhaven Town - Officials are considering arming its animal control officers with "taser" stun weapons to safeguard employees who face dangers executing their duties, such as three animal control officers who were "severely injured" on the job, according to Councilwoman Jane Bonner (C-Rocky Point). Animal control officers would be trained in taser use by the Suffolk County Police Department.

Elmira - (11/19/08) - Dogs in Elmira may soon be able to roam free in the city's first leashless dog park. Community members got together Tuesday night to discuss the ins and outs of the proposed "Grove Paws Park" in Elmira. Dogs would be required to have their shots and owners will need to stay at the park at the park while their dogs are playing.

Elmira - (12/10/08) - Elmira City Council approved several changes Monday to city animal control ordinances, but not before getting an earful from a half-dozen residents on loose cats and a proposed dog park.

Romulus - RESOLUTION INTRODUCING PROPOSED LOCAL LAW PROPOSED LOCAL LAW NO. 1 OF THE YEAR 2008 ENACTING A ONE-YEAR MORATORIUM ON THE CONSTRUCTION OR OPERATION OF ANY NEW KENNELS AND/OR PET BREEDERS, AS WELL AS EXPANSION OF EXISTING FACILITIES IN THE TOWN OF ROMULUS UPDATE: (12/13/08) - The Town of Romulus has been recognized by a state animal welfare organization for efforts to regulate inhumane puppy mills. The town's Planning Board, chaired by J. Barry Roach, which drafted the law with the direction of attorney Steven Getman and board member Mickie Sanders-Jauquet, were credited.




NORTH CAROLINA

Asheville - (12/15/08) - The organization ChainFree Asheville is lobbying the city to ban the practice of keeping dogs on chains, which the group said can be cruel and dangerous. But it is also trying to help those who might have trouble confining their dogs by building them free fences. ChainFree held its first meeting in August following the meeting with city staff in July. ChainFree will also help pay for dogs to be spayed or neutered and make sure the owners are in full compliance with the law. Other cities and counties have passed no-chain rules, including Durham and Orange counties in North Carolina. Asheville City Attorney Curt Euler is researching the issue to present to the City Council. No date has been set for when the council might talk about the rule. There are two issues with changing the rule, Euler said. First, council members must decide whether keeping a dog on a chain really is cruel, and second, animal control must have enough staff and resources to enforce the rule.

Macon County - (12/12/08) - FYI - During their regular Dec. 8 meeting, Macon County commissioners voted unanimously to change to two meetings a month starting in 2009. The first meeting will be held on the second Monday of the month at 6 p.m. and the second meeting will be on the fourth Monday of the month at 2 p.m (At least for the winter months of January, February and March). Commissioners agreed that the second meeting time would be a winter trial run and they would revisit the time at a later date to see if it is accommodating to the public and county employees.


Gaston County - (12/4/08) - Renovating the existing Gaston County Animal Shelter may amount to throwing money down the drain, since officials already plan to build a new one. But county commissioners appear to have fewer options after the facility failed a recent state inspection, and they were given a Jan. 1 deadline for addressing the problems. The state agriculture department conducted an unannounced, annual review of the shelter in Dallas on Nov. 12. State inspector Shelley Swaim cited serious structural problems and issues with animal overcrowding that violated North Carolina's Animal Welfare Act. Swaim also identified animals that were unacceptably injured or unhealthy, and others that weren't being provided food and water adequately. Some of the grievances were addressed immediately or within a day. The county has until Jan. 1 to address several other problems, such as cracked concrete floors, corroded fencing and rusted door tracks with sharp edges. The state will make another unannounced visit to the shelter sometime after the first of the year for a follow-up inspection, Hunter said. In the meantime, County Manager Jan Winters said he will meet Friday morning with Animal Control administrator Reggie Horton and county public works officials to discuss what can be done about the structural problems.

Newton - (11/17/08) - How do you keep a dangerous dog, or potentially dangerous dog, confined to a house? And what makes a dog "potentially dangerous?" The Catawba County Board of Commissioners is hoping to clear up these and other questions concerning the county's animal control ordinance with some proposed amendments to that ordinance being considered tonight. The board's subcommittee is recommending all proposed changes with the exception of the confinement requirement. Read changes here

Orange County - Chapel Hill - (11/19/08) - Orange County commissioners late Tuesday adopted amendments to the county's animal control ordinance on the tethering of dogs. The amendment allows for no more than a total of three hours of tethering within a 24-hour period. It also specifies the types of collars and equipment used for tethering, and makes an exemption for certain animal functions and circumstances. Commissioners had requested that a section of the ordinance concerning kennel size be deleted. Other changes make exemptions for tethered dogs in camping and recreational areas, as well as those dogs that are within the sight of a responsible person.



Pitt County - Greenville - (11/16/08) - The Pitt County Board of Commissioners will hear comments about the proposed animal neglect and cruelty ordinance at a public hearing scheduled during its meeting at 6 p.m. Monday. (11/17/08). The stand-alone ordinance would provide Animal Control employees with the authority to act immediately on complaints as animal cruelty investigators, according to the board's agenda. Michele Whaley, Pitt County Animal Control Manager, will submit the new ordinance to the board for adoption. In addition to addressing these complaints, the proposed ordinance will also clearly define prohibited acts for mistreating animals, including medical care, animal cruelty and adequate food, water and shelter rules.

NORTH DAKOTA

No report for North Dakota



OHIO

HB 446 - Sec. 955.01. (A)(1) Every person who owns, keeps, or harbors a dog three months of age, shall file, on or after the first day of the preceding December, but before the thirty-first day of January of each year, in the office of the county auditor of the county in which the dog is kept or harbored, an application for registration for the following year, beginning the thirty-first day of January of that year. The board of county commissioners, by resolution, may extend the period for filing the application. The application shall state the age, sex, color, character of hair, whether short or long, and breed, if known, of the dog and the name and address of the owner of the dog. A registration fee of ten dollars for each dog shall accompany the application, unless a greater fee has been established under division.
Dogs more than six months of age that have not been sterilized, except that the higher registration fee permitted by this division shall not apply if a person registering a dog furnishes with the application either a certificate from a licensed veterinarian verifying that the dog should not be sterilized because of its age or medical condition or because the dog is used or intended for use for show or breeding purposes or a certificate from the owner of the dog declaring that the owner holds a valid hunting license issued by the division of wildlife of the department of natural resources and that the dog is used or intended for use for hunting purposes. If the board establishes such a fee, the application for registration shall state whether the dog is sterilized, and whether a licensed veterinarian has certified that the dog should not be sterilized or the owner has stated that the dog is used or intended to be used for hunting purposes. The board may require a person who is registering a sterilized dog to furnish with the application a certificate from a licensed veterinarian verifying that the dog is sterilized.
(2) Application is made for registration of an assistance dog and the owner can show proof by certificate or other means that the dog is an assistance dog, the owner of the dog shall be exempt from any fee for the registration. Registration for an assistance dog shall be permanent and not subject to annual renewal so long as the dog is an assistance dog
(F) The subcutaneous insertion of a microchip into a dog containing information pertaining to the dog does not exempt the owner, keeper, or harborer of the dog from registering it under this section.

Sec. 955.04. Every owner of a kennel of dogs shall, in like manner as provided in section 955.01 of the Revised Code, make application for the registration of the kennel, and pay to the county auditor a registration fee of fifty dollars for each such kennel, unless a greater fee has been established under section 955.14 of the Revised Code. If the application is not filed and the fee paid, on or before the thirty-first day of January of each year, the auditor shall assess a penalty in an amount equal to the registration fee upon the owner of the kennel. The owner of a kennel of dogs shall register each dog that is three months of age or older in accordance with section 955.01 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 955.10. (A) No owner of a dog, shall fail to require the dog to wear, while outside the owner's residence, a valid tag issued in connection with a certificate of registration. A dog's failure to wear a valid tag in accordance with this section shall be prima-facie evidence of lack of registration and shall subject any dog found not wearing such a tag to impounding, sale, or humane destruction in accordance with section 955.16 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 955.11. (A) No owner of a dog shall fail to require the dog to wear, while outside the owner's residence, a valid tag issued in connection with a certificate of registration. A dog's failure to wear a valid tag in accordance with this section shall be prima-facie evidence of lack of registration and shall subject any dog found not wearing such a tag to impounding, sale, or humane destruction

Status: Senate State & Local Government & Veterans Affairs (05/28/08)

Avon Lake - City Council is hoping to put some teeth into its "vicious dog" ordinances. During a committee meeting Thursday night (12/04/08), Council discussed ways it could improve its laws and hold dog owners more accountable in an effort to protect residents. Council said it has no plans to ban specific breeds. Council will have several more meetings to take suggestions. UPDATE: No decision on adopting breed specific legislation was made at the Dec. 4 meeting; however, the city is reviewing what steps to take to determine if adog is vicious. The committee stated that breed specific bans would not be considered.

Wellsville - (12/12/08) - Claims, Rules, and Ordinances committee chairman John McMahon held a meeting Wednesday morning to discuss a plan of cooperation between the members of the St. Francis Animal Shelter (SFAS) and the person filling the position of animal control officer. The committee also worked with the SFAS members to revise a village ordinance that describes the stipulations of the position of animal control officer. According to Allmon, the new officer should be appointed at next Tuesday's council meeting. The two groups also discussed about different ways that the officer should deal with dead animals. The SFAS and the committee also discussed animal abandonment. In revising the ordinance for the animal control officer, the committee removed four of 28 stipulations.

Mount Vernon - (12/13/08) - Knox County dog owners were shocked when they received their renewal mailings indicating dog licenses would increase from $10 to $16 for the year 2009. The papers the auditor mailed to residents included a slip informing those who read it that the license increase was arranged by the Knox County Commissioners. Since then, both the commissioners and the editors of the News have heard from a number of citizens who want to know more about how this leap in costs happened.


OKLAHOMA

Oklahoma City - (12/7/08) -They have yet to attack, or even escape from their kennels, but the 23 American Staffordshire Terriers are bound to inflict harm, a group of Roman Catholic nuns say. The Carmelite Sisters of St. Teresa are so certain of this premonition -- and fearful for the safety of others -- that they are taking the case to the Oklahoma Supreme Court, hoping to remove the dogs from the neighborhood. The courts are expected to hear the case in the coming months and will decide if Kenny Gonzalez, of Oklahoma City, is permitted to operate a dog kennel within 2,500 feet of a school. The case might not be re-visited for several months, but both parties expressed hope for a victorious outcome.

Pryor - (11/19/08) - Dog owners living within City of Pryor limits must register their dogs at the police department. Pryor Police Chief Dennis Nichols said he wants to make citizens aware of city regulations concerning pets. The City of Pryor considers a dogs owner to be a person who has the animal within their care for 10 days. A recent city ordinance states owners within city limits cannot keep a dog on a chain or rope. An outdoor dog must be kept in an enclosed fence with adequate housing. The fencing must be appropriate for the dog. For more information, call Erwin at (918) 864-6393.



OREGON

North Plains - Councilwoman-elect Ann Ogan was calling for a ban on pit bulls. A ban would be the first action she'd take once in office. Ogan hopes an pit bull ban ordinance will pass after she gets sworn in next month UPDATE Monday, December 15, a pit-bull ban is not on the agenda for any upcoming North Plains City Council meetings. City staff want to make it clear: We haven't even thought about this yet, and Ogan will not take office until January.




PENNSYLVANIA

State College - (12/12/08) - State College pet pamperers could receive some good news in January if the borough council decides to amend a zoning ordinance to allow pet grooming as an acceptable home occupation. The council will discuss the issue and potentially schedule a public hearing at a 7:30 p.m. work session on Jan. 5, 2009, Hess said. The council received the amended ordinance from the Planning Commission at its Dec. 1 meeting but decided to push the issue to 2009 because of the need to focus on budget details this calendar year. As written, the ordinance sets three limitations on pet grooming as a home occupation, Zoning Officer Herman Slaybaugh said: Hours of operation are restricted to 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, a privacy fence must be built around the area where dogs are walked and dogwalkers must outfit dogs with leashes before outdoor exercise. Council member Silvi Lawrence said she is uncomfortable because the ordinance provides no inspection provision. The planning commission recommends the council approve pet grooming as a legal home occupation, Hess said. But Goreham said the debate will be difficult to resolve.

RHODE ISLAND

No report for Rhode Island



SOUTH CAROLINA

S102 - A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 47-1-40, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE ILL-TREATMENT OF ANIMALS, TO CLARIFY THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THE SECTION DO NOT APPLY TO THE PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE IN ACCORDANCE WITH ACCEPTED VETERINARY STANDARDS. 12/10/08 Senate Prefiled 12/10/08 Senate Referred to Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources

S177 - A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-11-310 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO OPEN SEASON
FOR ANTLERED DEER, TO DELETE THE PROHIBITION OF BAITING FOR DEER IN GAMES
ZONES 1 AND 2. Unlawful to use dogs. 12/10/08 Senate Prefiled 12/10/08 Senate Referred to Committee on Fish, Game and Forestry

H3013 - A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 16-11-650, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976,
RELATING TO THE OFFENSE OF REMOVING OR DESTROYING FENCES, GATES, OR OTHER BARRIERS ENCLOSING ANIMALS, CROPS, OR UNCULTIVATED LANDS, SO AS TO REVISE THE ELEMENTS OF THE OFFENSE AND INCREASE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS AND TO VEST JURISDICTION TO HEAR AND DISPOSE OF THIS OFFENSE IN MAGISTRATES COURT. 12/09/08 House Prefiled 12/09/08 House Referred to Committee on Judiciary

H3117 - A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 20-4-60, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA,
1976, RELATING TO AN ORDER FOR PROTECTION FROM DOMESTIC ABUSE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE COURT MAY PROHIBIT HARM OR HARASSMENT TO A PET ANIMAL OWNED, POSSESSED, KEPT, OR HELD BY THE PETITIONER AND TO PROVIDE THAT IN ORDERING TEMPORARY POSSESSION OF PERSONAL PROPERTY, THE COURT MAY ORDER THE TEMPORARY POSSESSION OF PET ANIMALS. 12/09/08 House Prefiled 12/09/08 House Referred to Committee on Judiciary

Charleston - (12/8/08) - Dog lovers argued both sides of several proposed ordinances in Charleston on Tuesday, dealing with the mandatory sterilization of animals caught roaming free and a ban on unleashed dogs except in dog parks. Proposed animal-related laws the Charleston City Council discussed Tuesday. The ordinances would: Prohibit transporting animals in open vehicles unless tethered. The council approved it. Require that animals be leashed whenever they are outdoors in the city of Charleston, except on one's own property or within the confines of a dog park. The council approved it. Allow the owners of impounded animals that are not spayed or neutered to choose between paying to have the animal sterilized or paying a $200 fine (first offense) before the animal is returned to them. The ordinance was deferred until January. Clarify that Charleston residents are allowed to have up to three dogs and three cats over the age of 1. The ordinance was deferred until January. The City Council did give initial approval to a related but less controversial ordinance that would prohibit transporting animals in open vehicles, such as the backs of pickup trucks, unless the animals were tethered or crated. A fourth animal-related ordinance, clarifying that city residents may own or house no more than three dogs and three cats, was deferred. The sterilization issue involves a city law requiring that dogs and other animals caught roaming free be spayed or neutered before being returned to their owners. Councilman Gary White proposed that owners be given the option of paying a $200 fine instead, if it's a first offense. An ordinance banning off-leash dogs throughout the city won initial approval Tuesday, with plans to add some changes before it comes back for a final vote in January.

Surfside - (12/8/08) - Feeding bits of bread to the ducks, geese and other waterfowl could soon be against the law in Surfside Beach. The town is also considering an ordinance Tuesday requiring residents to register their dogs and make sure dogs have up-to-date rabies vaccines. The town is also considering creating a dog park.

York County - (12/1/08) - First reading of the proposed new York County animal ordinance will be
Monday, December 1 from 6:00-9:00pm at the council chambers in York, SC. Click on York County to read those proposed ordinances.



SOUTH DAKOTA

Tea - concerned pet owner urged the Tea City Council to rescind an ordinance that bans three dog breeds within city limits on Monday night (12/01/08). Council members Brian Fowlds and Joe Weis suggested altering the ordinance to allow for the dogs deemed "dangerous" to be licensed. "Banning a dog from town goes a little too far," Fowlds said. The council voted to table action on any change until the city consults with its attorney to discuss the liability issues surrounding a licensing clause.



TENNESSEE

Knoxville - (12/10/08) - Rural/Metro will require its emergency responders to review animal policies after a mix-up this afternoon involving a blind patient and her guide-dog. Dawn's mother, Dotty Darst, said they needed Barkley Tuesday afternoon when Dawn fell in the back yard, injuring her leg and shoulder. "When she fell outside, he [Barkley} ran around her barking," said Dotty. Rural/Metro arrived to transport Dawn to UT Medical Center, but paramedics refused to transport Barkley. "They said it was against the law, and they would be in trouble with OSHA if they transported her seeing-eye-dog," said Dotty. 10 News contacted Rural/Metro for clarification on its animal policy. Officials indicated the paramedic was in error to refuse transport for a service-animal. Rural/Metro issued a public apology to the Darst family for any inconvenience.

Read Rural/Metro's statement on transport of seeing-eye dog.




TEXAS

Abilene - (11/17/08) - An Abilene man, dismayed after a trio of pit bulls savagely killed his daughter's two small dogs over the weekend, is calling for a study into the most dangerous breeds of dogs locally and for the worst to be banned in the city limits.

Keene - (12/8/08) - People For The Ethical Treatment of Animals sent a letter Tuesday to Keene Mayor Roy Robinson and the Keene City Council urging them to ban, or at least restrict, the chaining of dogs within Keene. Although Texas law restricts chaining, we are writing today ... to urge you to completely ban the cruel and dangerous practice of chaining dogs, wrote Candace Hertzel, PETA spokeswoman.

San Marcos - (12/15/08) - San Marcos is poised to join San Antonio as one of the few cities in the nation to require that all dogs and cats be implanted with a microchip. The San Marcos City Council unanimously passed its new animal ordinance on first reading last week. It's among the nation's most comprehensive, although council members had a lot of questions and parts of the ordinance might get rewritten before a second and final vote set for Tuesday. (12/16/08) Only a handful of cities, including Los Angeles, Albuquerque, N.M., and San Antonio, use microchips as their standard license for all pets. Besides its licensing change, the San Marcos ordinance would ban the sale of animals from roadsides, parking lots and flea markets, restrict the tethering of dogs, and set out rules and provide training and registration requirements for people to manage feral cat colonies with a trap-neuter-release program. As proposed, the ordinance would also require pet owners to attend a class before they could have a dog or cat returned from the shelter. However, that section is being rewritten, said Bert Stratemann, director of animal services in San Marcos. He said the intent is to require the class only for people whose pets have been picked up repeatedly, or were victims of neglect or abuse. The 37-page ordinance, the product of three years of work by an advisory committee, has several restrictions not found in many cities. It outlaws bestiality. It bans dying the fur or feathers of chicks, ducks and rabbits, as well as selling them during the two weeks before Easter or Christmas. And it limits residents to four dogs or a total of seven dogs and cats without a special city permit.


UTAH

No report for Utah

VERMONT

No report for Vermont



VIRGINIA

On Jan. 1, 2009 two new laws become effective in Virginia that will affect all commercial dog breeders.

State law 3.2-6507.1 will require all commercial dog breeders in the Commonwealth to have a valid business license issued by the locality in which they do business.

State law 3.2-6507.2 , Commercial dog breeding requirements, will limit the number of dogs over the age of 1 year to a maximum of 50 for breeding purposes. It will also restrict a breeder from breeding a female dog before the age of 18 months and no older than 8 years. Additionally, they will need to have an annual certification from a veterinarian attesting that the dog is healthy enough to be bred.
The law also requires the breeder to maintain detailed and accurate records on each of the dogs to include shots, birth records, and descriptions of animals. Further, it requires that breeders dispose of dogs only by gift, sale, transfer, barter, or euthanasia by a licensed veterinarian. They are required to dispose of any deceased dogs in accordance with state law 3.2-6554.



WASHINGTON

Monroe - (11/25/08) - Pit bulls, Akitas and other breeds targeted by a city proposal as potentially dangerous are out of the dog house -- for now. The City Council, bombarded by unhappy dog owners, passed an interim ordinance that keeps a warning strike for all dogs, but did not contain any language that targeted certain breeds. The ordinance approved 6-0 by the council last week would expire after 180 days if no further action is taken. That gives the council extra time to wade through research on dangerous dog legislation sent to the council from dozens of agencies and dog organizations.

Moses Lake - (11/25/08) - Several other dog breeds were added to an ordinance declaring
them hazardous, which could result in a larger registration fine if the Moses Lake City Council passes it tonight. (11/25/08) It was not discussed at a previous meeting that additional dogs breeds
would be declared hazardous. Previously the ordinance was limited to breeds commonly referred to as pit bulls and dogs that have a tendency to display threatening behavior toward people and domestic animals. The new definition now includes rottweilers, presa canarios, akitas and chows. The definition also includes dogs mixed with any of the stated breeds. The ordinance must be read its second and final time Tuesday before making it a law. The council will listen to public testimony during the meeting. To view the ordinance, click here. Then click on Nov. 25th agenda. The ordinance begins on Page 29. (PDF file) FINAL UPDATE - (11/29/08) - It costs $150 to register a hazardous dog or any unaltered dog in the city. Covey said the money from the dog license fees might go toward animal control related costs but he did not have a definite answer. With a 5-2 vote, the Moses Lake City Council declared pit bulls, rottweilers and presa canarios hazardous dogs Tuesday night.

Payallup - (12/10/08) - The Puyallup City Council amended the citys animal control ordinance Tuesday night, adding a way to classify dogs as dangerous and give officials the authority to seize and euthanize them. The new rules require that dangerous dogs, defined as ones that severely injure a human or another animal, be securely penned on private property to prevent their escape. The dogs must also be muzzled if they are out in public. If a dog is deemed dangerous because it kills a human, city officials will seize and destroy the animal. The city also upped required safety precautions for potentially dangerous dogs, requiring them to be secured and muzzled just like dangerous dogs. Potentially dangerous dogs are defined as ones that bite or threaten a person without provocation. Puyallups new animal control rules are nearly identical to ones the Sumner City Council passed last week. Metro Animal Control handles animal control in both cities, and officials said they wanted the agency to have consistent rules to enforce in both jurisdictions. Starting this month, a permit to own a potentially dangerous dog in Puyallup and Sumner will be $250 with an annual renewal cost of $50. A permit for a dangerous dog will cost $500 with a renewal fee of $100.

Pierce County - Cities of Puyallup and Sumner are updating and matching up their rules for dealing with dangerous and potentially dangerous dogs. Effective immediately, a permit to own a potentially dangerous dog in Sumner will be $250, while a permit to own a dangerous dog will cost an owner $500. Renewal fees for potentially dangerous dogs will be $50; permits for dangerous dogs, $100. Owners of potentially dangerous dogs must also securely muzzle their dogs in public and carry liability insurance or a surety bond to cover any injuries the dog may cause. If a dog is classified as dangerous, it can be seized by the city and destroyed.

Wenatchee - (12/10/08) - Animal control officers will stop picking up stray animals in rural Chelan County under a budget-cutting contract approved Monday by the Chelan County Commission. Under the plan, Wenatchee Valley Humane Society in 2009 will respond primarily to animal emergencies, such as cruelty cases or dangerous dogs, outside of urban growth areas. Urban areas will see little change in current service.



WEST VIRGINIA

Elkins - (11/25/08) - Elkins City Council on Thursday passed the first reading of an ordinance that will regulate the tethering of dogs to prevent cruel and inhumane treatment. The ordinance sets guidelines for when and how a dog can be leashed along with setting specifications for dog houses. Violators can face fines and jail time. UPDATE - (12/5/08) - Council approved the second and final reading of an ordinance to prevent the cruel and inhumane treatment of dogs by tethering.

Henry County - (12/15/08) - Dogs that bark excessively could be euthanized under a proposed ordinance to be considered Tuesday (12/16/08) by the Henry County Board of Supervisors. When the board meets at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Lyle will give the supervisors two options for dealing with dogs that bark often. Both proposed ordinances cover excessive noises made by all companion animals, ranging from dogs and cats to hamsters, reptiles and birds. Lyle said he thinks that would be more fair than singling out one particular animal. But he said he is willing to rewrite the ordinances if the supervisors want to pursue only dogs. Neither proposed ordinance would cover noises made by livestock. One proposed ordinance that Lyle will present declares any companion animal that makes excessive noise to be a public nuisance. The ordinance shows that two county residents of separate households would have to give testimony before a magistrate before a summons or a warrant could be issued. Another proposed ordinance prepared by Lyle would establish noisy animals as private nuisances that could help people bring civil lawsuits against pet owners to stop nuisances and/or recover damages. If someone elses animal is so noisy it interferes with the use of their (another persons) land, they can sue the offending individual and recover money damages and seek to have the noise abated, his memo states.

Moundsville - City Council meeting Wednesday (11/19/08), members voted 5-1 to approve an animal restraint and tethering ordinance on its second reading. Councilman Nick James provided the lone 'nay' vote. The ordinance prohibits the tethering, chaining, tying or confining of any animal outside when the temperature is below 32 or above 85 degrees Fahrenheit; on a fixed point chain or to any stationary object; after dark or before 6 a.m.; within 500 feet of a school; if the animal is under 6 months of age, is sick or injured or is confined in such a manner that would cause injury, strangulation or entanglement. Additionally, the ordinance also states that dogs may be restrained by means of a "trolley-type system," or tether attached to a pulley on a cable run, provided that only one dog is tethered, the tether is not attached to a choke, pinch or prong collar, the tether and cable are of adequate size, the dog is able to move 10 feet away from the cable, when tied to the tether, has access to food and water as well as a clean, maintained, four-sided shelter with an entryway that includes flaps to block snow or rain. The ordinance also mandates animals restrained by pens rather then tethers be allowed 150 square feet of area, have sufficient shade to prevent overheating and that the area be cleaned regularly.



WISCONSIN

Beloit - (11/29/08) - A potential change to an ordinance regarding pet regulations in the City of Beloit is once again on the City Council's agenda Monday night. (12/1/08) The revised ordinance would limit the total number of animals in any home to five. Of that five, there could be no more than three dogs, but residents could have up to five cats or rabbits, said City Manager Larry Arft. The proposed ordinance only includes cats, dogs and rabbits. Smaller pets such as fish, gerbils, hamsters and birds are not regulated, Arft said. Larger animals, considered livestock, are not allowed in city neighborhoods. Under the revised ordinance, dogs would be monitored by licensing, while cats would be monitored using rabies vaccinations. The proposed ordinance is up for first reading only on Monday night and will have to come back for a second reading in two weeks.

West Allis - (12/8/08) - Introduced and passed on the same day. This was not even on the agenda for the meeting that day... "Pit Bull means any dog which is one-half or more American Staffordshire terrier, Staffordshire terrier, American pit bull terrier, miniature bull terrier, or Staffordshire bull terrier or any dog exhibiting the distinguishing characteristics which substantially conform to the standards established by the American Kennel Club or United Kennel Club for any of the above breeds." You can read the entire ordinance by clicking on West Allis. UPDATE: Mayor Dan Devine vetoed the ordinance to ban pit bulls. The Common Council is considering a new ordinance to clamp down on dogs in the city considered vicious. The new ordinance calls for the removal of dogs considered dangerous. But the list of so-called dangerous attributes on the proposal is long, and includes things like growling. The West Allis Common Council will vote on the vicious dog ordinance at a meeting next Tuesday evening (12/16/08). UPDATE: Devine said he received more than 50 calls and e-mails, mostly in opposition to the ordinance. He says public safety is important, but the ban is the wrong way to address it. Devine says an alderman is working on a different ordinance that would address vicious behavior in all dogs, and he expects that to be presented to the Common Council within two months



WYOMING

Cheyenne - (12/8/08) - The Citys Dogs and Cats will No Longer Need to Get Rabies Shots Every Year. Pet owners now have the option to have their animal companions vaccinated once every three years. Monday, the Cheyenne City Council voted 8-2 to change the citys rabies vaccine ordinance.

Diamondville - council considering proposed ordinance - banning of pit bulls




COUNTRIES OF OTHER INTEREST

AUSTRALIA

NEW laws are needed - (10/9/08) - to ensure all dogs and cats are microchipped to reduce the number of pets left homeless in the state's shelters, animal groups say. The Animal Welfare League and RSPCA have worked together for the first time on a proposal to make the identification microchip mandatory. The two groups have submitted a proposal to the State Government supporting the Dog and Cat Management Board's recommendation for all dogs and cats in SA to be microchipped.

Darwin - (11/17/08) - Darwin City Council is trialling an electronic collar, which can be strapped on noisy mutts to count how many times they bark over a number of days. Acting chief executive John Banks said nuisance barking was a significant issue in Darwin, "where 80 per cent of dogs are cross breeds ... and, on the whole, less trained". The collar - which cannot be removed and is tamper-proof - records barking for up to 10 days, and the information is then downloaded. The collar is being used on a voluntary basis so far, but the council does have the power to issue orders for owners to take reasonable measures to stop barking.



CANADA

Alberta - Banf - town council passed first and second readings of an ordinance which removes "pit bulls" from the vicious animal classification and allows animal control officers to classify individual dogs as vicious. A third reading is required and is expected after editorial changes to the ordinance. The current law requires pit bulls to be muzzled when in public and kept in a fortified enclosure. However, the new law would require any dog meeting the "vicious" classification (regardless of breed) to be subject to those restrictions. The change essentially removes breed specific bans, allowing for discretion on a dog-by-dog basis.

Nova Scotia - (11/18/08) - Currently Nova Scotia has no laws banning dog fighting. Yesterday the SPCA lobbied government to change that. Federal legislation is so weak right now that only, I believe, one quarter of people who get charged are convicted, said SPCA board member Sean Kelly. Kelly said participants can only be charged for cruelty to animals, but banning dog fights would make it easier to convict abusers. The government seemed receptive, with agriculture minister Brooke Taylor saying he would work to see such laws put in place. The organization also called for the government to ban cosmetic surgeries such as ear cropping and declawing on animals. Kelly said veterinarians often refuse to do such surgeries, which drives owners to do the surgeries themselves without proper anesthetics.

Stellarton (NS)- dog attack reignites breed ban debate after 3 attacks. City councillor Jerry Blumenthal says there are too many of these incidents and he'll push the city to adopt a breed ban on certain dog breeds.

Ontario - (11/19/08) - Ontario government's new animal cruelty laws passed on Monday are going to have a negative effect on Ontario farmers, said Brian Jones, retired farmer and former director of the Simcoe County Federation of Agriculture. Called the "strongest animal protection law in Canada," the Provincial Animal Welfare Act will allow the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) to inspect places where animals are kept, other than houses, without a warrant. These facilities include places where animals are kept for entertainment, exhibition, boarding and sale or hire. The act hasn't been changed since 1919 and now states that people who abuse animals could face up to two years in jail, fines up to $60,000 and a potential lifetime ban on animal ownership. The bill also requires veterinarians to report suspected animal abuse while protecting them from personal liability.


Toronto - (11/17/08) - Changes to Ontarios animal cruelty laws risk giving too much unchecked power to protection agencies and causing problems for farmers trying to do their jobs, critics charged today.
Under a bill passed by the Ontario legislature today, people who abuse animals will face jail, stiffer fines and a lifetime ban on animal ownership. The act also creates exemptions for wildlife, agriculture and veterinary practices. But Progressive Conservative Randy Hillier said the bill gives police powers to animal welfare officers with no oversight or accountability, and hes worried that will lead to abuses as well as problems for farmers. The (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) enforcement officers only require two weeks of training before they get police powers, and to understand animal husbandry and livestock care takes far greater than two weeks, said Hillier, who represents Lanark-Frontenac-Lennox and Addington. To convey all this authority onto a novice with two weeks of police training, and take away any political accountability were just asking for trouble.

KOREA

The Ministry of Environment plans to categorize dogs as livestock to regulate the sanitation practices of large-scale dog breeders. There are about 720,000 dog farms, raising some 2.3 million dogs as of Dec. 2005.



SOUTH AFRICA

Johannesburg - leading animal behaviourist, John Faul is calling for a ban if pitbull terriers. He said they are dangerous and a threat to life and are bred to be absolutely fearless and have a "hair-trigger" attack response.



UK

London - (12/13/08) - COUNCILS will be able to compel dogowners to muzzle, neuter or microchip their dogs as a result of a Private Member's Bill due to be heard today. The Bill, which will also enable councils to remove dangerous dogs, is aimed at increasing local authorities' power to take action against dangerous and nuisance animals. The proposed legislation would make it an offence to have a dangerous dog, to own a dog that has been used for fighting or to breed dangerous dogs. An order may be made to have the dog destroyed and the owner could be banned from owning any more dogs and face a prison sentence. The Bill, introduced by Lord Redesdale, follows in the wake of Mayor Boris Johnson's announcement that he will work with London boroughs to deal with dangerous dogs. Wandsworth council is the first in London to have made microchipping dogs on estates compulsory.

Winsford - (11/18/08) - A Winsford man is under investigation over allegations his dogs are literally barking mad. David Sharman, of Aston Avenue, said he received a letter from officers at Vale Royal Borough Council ordering him to pay a £5,000 fine or get rid of the dogs after complaints were received about persistent, loud barking. A spokesperson for Vale Royal Borough Council confirmed an investigation into noise nuisance was underway in Aston Avenue but said it could not comment on individual cases.






























Before we end this report with our Seasons Greetings to All,

we had to include our favorite article this month:

Gas price: EPA explores tax on livestock emissions
December 4,, 2008

WICHITA, Kansas In an effort to clean up air pollution, the federal government has a new proposal on the table: a tax on gas, but not the kind you put in your car. Instead, the tax would be aimed at ranchers and the bodily emissions that come from their livestock.

Big factories and cars are what you typically think of with air pollution, but what about livestock? Cattle, hogs and sheep produce greenhouse gases like methane, nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide through their digestive systems. Now, theres talk that those bodily emissions need to be regulated under the clean air act. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, globally, livestock are the biggest source of methane from human-related activities. However, the EPA says people need to slow down and that theyre early in the discussion stage and that no action toward rule-making has been taken.
"What we're doing is gathering info to determine the best measures to address greenhouse gas emissions, said Kris Lancaster with the EPA. Still, agriculture officials are taking notice. The American Farm Bureau Federation estimates the tax could reach $175 per dairy cow, $87.50 per head of beef cattle and $20 per hog. At their annual conference being held in Wichita this week officials with the Kansas Livestock Association say theyre watching the talks closely.

The real problem would be what can we really do to change the emissions? said Allie Devine with the Kansas Livestock Association. How do you change the emissions of the digestive track of a calf? You don't. Still, they say they can look at increasing efficiency in feed and believe its important the AG community be involved in the talks. I think it's most important to remember who it's most going to impact is consumers, Devine said. Its a tax that could cost the Kansas AG industry and when consumers buy meet at the grocery store.

The EPA says it wants public input. Anyone with comments can post them at www.epa.gov/climatechange and click on regulatory changes.