Ordinance against Dogs?
It seams that every time I pick up a magazine or newspaper I read a story about dogs and a town starting a new ordinance that a dog has to do this or that! Now I say, "How Can They Enforce This?"
Dog-discrimination legislation
It is happening everywhere, and everyone that owners a dog should be aware of it!
I'm talking about the ordinances or rules that limit the number, size and weight never mind the breed of dog.
Many elected officials have and are reacted to isolated dog-bite or nuisance cases by proposing breed-specific
legislation and restrictive ordinances they think will protect the public from what their constituents perceive as
"Dangerous Dogs" "Nuisance Dogs" "Barking Dogs" and even people who own more than "1 Dog"
It's like I have said many times on this homepage is, rather than blame the dog! "Put the blame were it belongs"
"Irresponsible Owners"
"WE" every dog owner, needs to tell politicians that the problem is not the breed of dog, but the owner!
Several states and counties have enacted such laws. They encourage responsible ownership by requiring owners to keep their dogs on a leash and to clean up after their dogs. A lot of towns want to pass ordinances against the size and number of dogs you can owe! WHY? Because Landlords, Management firms, and Condominium associations show up at state and town meetings and voice their concerns about dogs. And little do you know that this is going on till we see it passed As A Law or you move in to a new town.
WHAT LAWS?
Even thou we are "HOBBY BREEDES" we have been told we are a "KENNEL"
The City Hall of the Town we live in has told us we are a Kennel by there "DEFINITION"
Massachusetts Law: M.G.L. / Title XX. PUBLIC SAFETY AND GOOD ORDER Chapter 140: Section 136A.
Definitions. (Kennel) One pack or collection of dogs on a single premises, whether maintained for Breeding, Boarding, Sale, Training, Hunting or other purposes and including any shop where dogs are on sale, and also including every pack or collection of more then three dogs three months old or owned or kept by a person on a single premises irrespective of the purpose for which they are maintained.
When we moved to this town we checked all the (TOWN LAWS) and there is no law that says we could not do what we are doing!
So we have had to take and board our dogs at a (Kennel) and now we can keep being a "HOBBY BREEDER" and there is no law that says we can not do that!
Some of the things we did, and What You Should Do!
Recruiting owners to speak at public meetings is a great start! Owners need to get involved!
You the "Responsible Owners" can overcome breed-specific legislation and housing restrictions by staying informed
and getting involved! Take Action, before it is too late!
Here are "KEY THINGS" you need to do!
1. Learn the legislative process and meet your elected officials.
Find out which government agencies handle canine ordinances and legislation.
2. Gather information and present it to elected officials in an orderly manner.
Rely on factual information and avoid emotional commentary.
3. Research the issue through the Internet, you're local library, and Government agencies.
4. Enlist help from lawyers or organizations that know dog law.
Join organizations like: The American Dog Owners Association or The American Kennel Club.
These organizations stand ready to help! Here are some, Web Sites:
American Dog Owners Association ( www.adoa.org )
Dog Watch (www.dogwatch.net )
National Animal Interest Alliance ( www.naiaonline.org )
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ( www.aspca.org )
Humane Society of the United States ( www.hsus.org )
Rent with Pets ( www.rentingwithpets.com )
Lease with Pets ( www.leasewithpets.com )
And you can find help from AKC at: (www.akc.org/love/dip/legislat/index.cfm )
~ AKC Canine Legislation ~
The American Kennel Club's Canine Legislation monitors and provides input
for federal, state and local legislation governing responsible dog ownership.
READ, Read, read! Check the legal notices in your newspaper for hearings on proposals relating to pets!
The big hurdle is making your elected officials know and understand the difference
between a responsible dog owner and a non-responsible dog owner!
Whatever breed dog you own, from a "toy poodle to a pit bull"
Remember "Any Dog Can Bite, Bark, and even piss-off your neighbor who does not like DOGS!
Related Page's
Kids and Dogs
A Common Sense Approach Understanding dog bites: how they occur and how to prevent them
