A Member of the
American Kennel Club
(AKC)
Promoting the Advancement of Purebred Dogs in the Greater
Jackson Area Since 1939
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Canine Legislation
Up-to-date AKC Canine legislation news:
AKC newsMany new bills are being introduced in federal, state and local legislature that reduce or remove dog owners' rights. If you are aware of upcoming or existing canine legislation in Mississippi that is not listed, please submit to: Canine Legislation Legislation that affects Mississippi include:
The American Kennel Club and Mississippi State Kennel Club strongly oppose breed-specific legislation. See AKC's Position Statements. The cities in the greater Jackson area currently have breed bans: Clinton, Richland and Ridgeland. Responsible, law-abiding citizens who own obedient dogs of any of the dogs listed on the ordinances are not given the opportunity to prove that their dog is not dangerous. A much better alternative to the breed ban would be "Dangerous Dog" legislation. "Dangerous Dog" legislation should define the characteristics of a dangerous dog or a potentially dangerous dog regardless of breed. This legislation allows owners to prove that their dogs are not a threat but it also assists protects people and pets that encounter a dangerous dog of any breed. Breed-specific legislation fails to identify dangerous behavior but seeks to eradicate all dogs of particular breeds based on opinion. Over 20 breeds have been misidentified as "pit bulls". See if you can pick the American Pit Bull Terrier on this quiz: Find the Pit Bull Now imagine someone without veterinary advice determining your dog's breed. Any mix that resembles one of the banned breeds is included in this legislation. Instead of enforcing current laws prohibiting dogs off-leash in the city limits, all dogs of particular breeds are the target. Imagine having to relinquish your well-behaved dog to be euthanized based on its breed alone and through no aggression on the dog's part! Responsible dog owners should not be punished based on the actions of someone else who failed to socialize, train or keep their dogs on-leash or in a secure fence. Please help us protect responsible dog owners' rights .The list of banned dogs will continue to grow if we don't speak up for our rights as dog owners. Position on Breeding Restrictions and Mandatory Spay/Neuter Legislation: Position on spay/neuter practices: The American Kennel Club and the Mississippi State Kennel Club encourage pet owners to spay or neuter their dogs as a responsible means to prevent accidental breedings resulting in unwanted puppies. The American Kennel Club and Mississippi State Kennel Club encourage breeders to discuss spaying and neutering options with puppy buyers who do not wish to participate in conformation events. Position on Breeding Restrictions and Mandatory Spay/Neuter Legislation: The American Kennel Club and Mississippi State Kennel Club strongly support and actively promote a wide range of programs to educate the public about responsible breeding practices and the responsibilities of dog ownership. The American Kennel Club and Mississippi State Kennel Club oppose the concept of breeding permits, breeding bans, or mandatory spay/neuter of purebred dogs. Instead, we support reasonable and enforceable laws that protect the welfare and health of purebred dogs and do not restrict the rights of breeders and owners who take their responsibilities seriously. The American Kennel Club's document of Positions Statements can be read in its entirety here: http://www.akc.org/pdfs/canine_legislation/PBLEG2.pdf Ways to Help * Stay educated on upcoming bills and ordinances. The American Kennel Club Canine Legislation provides a great deal of information on canine legislative alerts. Mississippi Canine Coalition is involved in canine legislation in our state. The Monthly National Legislation Report lists dog and animal legislation for all of the US. * Write letters or call your city, state and federal government representatives to ensure the breed ban ordinances are repealed. Contacts can be found at this site: Mississippi Government * Print this PDF file and distribute it in your community, vet's office, etc: Deed Not Breed * Be a responsible owner! Socialize and train your dogs so that they will serve as good canine ambassadors in the community. Keep them on a leash and pick up after them if you're on a walk. Visit these sites for more information on canine legislation: AKC Canine Legislation Mississippi Canine Coalition National Animal Interest Alliance The American Sporting Dog Alliance Contact our MSKC Legislative Liaison for more information: Leah Harris lmharris562003@yahoo.com |