FEDERAL
HR1332/SS10 - Safe FEAST Act of 2009 - To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the safety of the food supply.
S510/HR1332 - FDA Food Safety Modernization Act - To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the safety of the food supply
ARKANSAS
Greenwood - During a public forum, a resident requested the city council consider a breed specific law that would target pit bulls. Although nothing has been introduced at this time, the individual who heads a committee looking at possible revisions of the city's animal control ordinance said such a change could be incorporated into the existing ordinance. Greenwood residents need to reach out to their city officials NOW before an ordinance is proposed. Thank you Judy Chevalier
Marion - considering a “pit bull” ban
ARIZONA
Mohave County - County Kennel Committee has recommended amendments to an existing kennel ordinance, which will now go before the full Board of Supervisors. Supervisors are scheduled to consider the proposal at the Board’s Monday October 4, 2010 hearing. Proposed amendments include extensive provisions governing the minimum required land for kennels as well as permit requirements. Among the general provisions is imposition of a new limit on the number of dogs and cats allowed to residents of a residentially zoned property. Under the proposal, a maximum of 4 dogs and 4 cats may be kept. Any kennel or cattery housing more than 10 dogs or cats requires a special Zoning Use Permit, and a Site Plan must be submitted to obtain such a permit. The actual number of animals allowed under a given permit is subject to determination on a case-by-case basis. UPDATE (10/04/10) County Board of Supervisors approved the changes, including allowing only two dogs and four cats on properties 1 acre or less in the county.
CALIFORNIA
AB2012 - Cruelty to animals - vetoed
To the Members of the California State Assembly:
I am returning Assembly Bill 2012 without my signature.
This bill increases the maximum punishment for misdemeanor animal neglect from six months to one year in county jail. The misdemeanor provisions of the animal neglect statutes are intended to address less serious offenses. While there is no question that an animal suffers when criminally neglected, an individual who intentionally maims, tortures, or mutilates an animal should be treated more harshly by the justice system.
Current law reflects this distinction. In addition, I cannot support a measure that increases the potential jail time for offenses against animals while the Legislature fails to provide incarceration as a potential punishment for offenders that smuggle wireless communication devices into our state prisons.
For these reasons, I am unable to sign this bill.
Sincerely,
ArnoldSchwarzenegger
SB1179 - An act to add Section 3040 to the Fish and Game Code, relating to hunting. Bill would authorize the director to establish 2 free hunting days per year. The bill would authorize a California resident to hunt during a free hunting day if accompanied by a licensed hunter who meets prescribed requirements and if the unlicensed hunter, while engaged in hunting activities, remains in close visual and verbal contact with the licensed hunter at all times. Under the bill, the unlicensed hunter would be subject to all of the limitations, restrictions, conditions, statutes, rules, and regulations applicable to the holder of a valid hunting license, except as specified, and would be required to meet specified additional requirements. The bill would prohibit the above provisions from being implemented until the department's Automated License Data System is fully operational for at least one year. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law.
Los Angeles - LAAS Town Hall Meeting 9/16/10 - discussed a proposal to increase dog limits from 3 to five & the same for cats. 45 speakers in FAVOR of the proposal to either completely lift the limit laws/raise the number of animals allowed in homes & 4 against it. After the meeting, there was some discussion about how some people thought that next week's meeting might be more contentious as many of the opposition was absent last night. It remains to be seen.
Thank you Florence Blecher for the report
Santa Barbara - (10/04/10) City Council unanimously passed the new pet licensing ordinance.
Santa Clara - Animal Advisory Commission – 10/14/10
Agenda items: 4.
Consider verbal reports: a. Spay/Neuter Program and shelter statistics. (Wasson) b. Friends of the San Martin Animal Shelter (FOSMAS) regarding foster and rescue activities (Geddes) c. City of San Jose feral cat diversion program
5. Review new data and information from the public and Animal Control Services regarding pit bulls and bite reports (Diana Grubbs)
6. Discuss possible proposals for HLUET relating to mandatory spay/neuter for pit bull-type dogs and other public safety measures and consider/vote if any of the individual ideas and proposals will be forwarded to HLUET
Animal Advisory Commission County Government Center - 70 West Hedding Street
San Jose, California 95110. Phone (408) 299-5001. Fax (408) 298-8460
_____ DATE: October 14, 2010 TIME: 6:30 PM
COLORADO
Aurora - City officials could discuss the possibility of amending an ordinance to allow pit bulls as service dogs in the city at an executive session as early as Oct. 11, according Charlie Richardson, the city attorney. The announcement of the meeting comes after officials from the U.S. Department of Justice said earlier this summer that any dog that is trained to do work or perform tasks for disabled people should be classified as a service animal, under the Americans with Disabilities Act. “The Department of Justice expressed an opinion that breed-specific legislation, or breed bans, should not be applied on a blanket level to service animals". City officials have drafted an ordinance that would accommodate all types of service dogs, but Aurora City Council members must first be briefed on the issue, and then the potential ordinance change must be sent to a committee for public and employee input.
FLORIDA
Sarasota County has passed an ordinance making it illegal for pet owners to "tether" an animal except under certain conditions. County Ordinance 2010-053 defines tethering as tying the animal to any object or structure, including a house, tree, fence, post, garage or shed by any means, including a chain, rope, cord, leash, running line, or other binding material.
GEORGIA
Douglasville - (10/20/10) City Council did not tonight to ban ownership of pit bulls. Next meeting will be on September 30, and then on Oct 5. Meetings start at 7:30 p.m. at Douglasville City Hall, 6695 Church Street. UPDATE (10/04/10) City Council voted 4-3 Monday against a proposed pit bull ban, after researching and hearing passionate pleas from both sides.
IOWA
Cedar Rapids - City will consider, and likely vote on, numerous changes to its animal control laws on October 12 at 5:30 p.m. The meeting details are as follows: Date: Tuesday, October 12, 2010 Time: 5:30 p.m.* Location: Council Chambers Hiawatha City Hall 101 Emmons Street Hiawatha, Iowa
KANSAS
Ellis - City Council considering a draft of a new vicious and dangerous animal ordinance. The breeds delineated in the draft primarily will be those that generically fall into the definition of pit bulls and Rottweilers, including Staffordshire bull terriers, American Staffordshire bull terriers, American pit bull terriers, any other breed commonly called pit bulls -- as well as those that have characteristics common to those breeds. Although citizens would not be prohibited from owning the specific breeds of dogs listed under the ordinance, there would be additional criteria that would have to be met in order to keep them within city limits.
Topeka - (09/21/10) City Council members heard a proposed ordinance that would strengthen animal control laws. The new ordinance would expand the law to include all breeds of dogs instead of only pit bulls. Supporters say targeting only pit bulls isn't fair because not all pit bulls are violent. They also the 11 fatal dog attacks in Kansas have been by dogs of eight different breeds. The new law would create a new classification of dogs called 'dangerous dogs,' which are defined in the ordinance as dogs that have a tendency to bite, attack or threaten a human being. The proposed ordinance also includes a new procedure for feral cats, which would be seized, vaccinated, neutered and then released. UPDATE (09/28/10) Mayor Bill Bunten and eight city council members voted 9-0, with Councilman John Alcala being absent, to pass a 39-page ordinance amending rules regarding animal control and animal cruelty to enhance public safety, protect animals and save taxpayer dollars. The ordinance does away with the city's breed-specific rules requiring owners to obtain special licenses and to implant microchips in any dogs that have the appearance and characteristics of being predominantly of any of three types of pit bull dog. The ordinance also changes city cat licensing rules to make it clear that licenses aren't required for feral cats that show a straight-line cutting of the tip of their left ear to show they have been spayed or neutered and vaccinated. The ordinance also replaces the city's vicious animals ordinance with a similar but broader "dangerous dogs" ordinance regarding dogs that have shown inappropriate aggressive behavior. It replaces city rules that allowed for dogs to be tethered outdoors for as long as an hour at a time and as much as three hours a day by allowing dog owners unlimited supervised tethering but reducing unsupervised tethering of dogs to 15 minutes.
MICHIGAN
Dearborn Heights - City is considering an ordinance regulating the ownership of pit bulls. Mayor Dan Paletko said even though he may offend some residents by saying so, he thinks the city should ban pit bulls. Council Chair Ken Baron said he believes a pit bull ban is a possibility. Councilman Tom Berry said the city needs to look at the pit bull ordinance again. Those in or near Dearborn Heights are encouraged to attend the study session and future council meetings in order to offer accurate information to the discussion.
Jackson County - (09/15/10) Local law enforcement leaders are looking for ways to stave off vicious dog attacks after a string of encounters with aggressive animals. Jackson Police Chief Matt Heins said officials want to take a “multi-pronged approach” to the problem, starting with public education. County officials are also taking a closer look at the county’s animal control ordinance, which defines what constitutes a dangerous animal and how they should be handled or housed. The goal is to recommend modifications of the ordinance to the Jackson County Board of Commissioners, which may include stronger regulations on owners of potentially dangerous dogs.
Sylvan Lake - becomes the latest community to ban pit bulls. The new law also puts restrictions on residents who already own pit bulls. Under the new ordinance, new pit bulls are banned. Existing pit bulls are grandfathered in, but starting October first, yet to be determined restrictions will be in effect for those animals.
Ypsilanti Township - (09/22/10) Officials are considering a change to their code of ordinances that would require all pit bulls to be spayed or neutered by Jan. 1, 2011. According to the language of the new law, pit bull owners found in violation of the ordinance would be guilty of a criminal misdemeanor punishable by not more than a $500 fine and/or imprisonment for not more than 90 days. New proposed ordinances require "readings" at two separate public meetings, and publication in a newspaper before they can become law. The board heard the first reading of the proposed amendment on Tuesday evening during their regular board meeting, with a second reading scheduled for their next meeting in October.
MINNESOTA
Minneapolis - City is considering changing the way it deals with dangerous animals and their owners. The changes could result in stiffer penalties, and fewer people being allowed to own potentially dangerous dogs. There are about seven provisions being considered, and a lot of it has to do with recent instances involving dogs biting people. The city council could approve these provisions on Oct. 8.
MISSISSIPPI
Morton - (09/14/10) Board of Aldermen adopted an ordinance banning pit bull dogs in the city limits. The ordinance also includes regulations for dangerous dogs. The ordinance will take effect 30 days from last Tuesday. On October 7, all breeds of dogs pertaining to the American Pit Bull Terrier, the Staffordshire bull terrier, the American Staffordshire terrier and the Wolf-dog hybrid will be banned. The breeds may not be owned, harbored, or kept within the city limits of Morton said Mayor Greg Butler.
MISSOURI
Hannibal - (09/21/10) Police Chief Lyndell Davis wants to update how the city deals with dangerous dogs. After several complaints of dangerous dogs in the city there had been talks of a breed-specific ban. Among those opposed to a ban of a specific dog breed is Police Chief Lyndell Davis. At Tuesday, September 21st's city council meeting Davis recommended a revised ordinance that deals with dangerous dogs rather than a breed specific ban.
Kirksville - City Council plans to hold a public meeting to obtain input from citizens on a proposed dangerous animal ordinance. The public meeting has been scheduled for Monday, October 18, 2010 at 7 pm at the Adair County Annex Building, 300 N. Franklin. Mayor Todd Kuhns will give a brief overview of the proposed ordinance and why it is being considered. Citizens will then have an opportunity to provide their input on the topic. Citizens wishing to address the council will each have 2 minutes to make their comments. Citizens will also have the option of writing down their comments on note cards that will then be given to the Council for consideration. The proposed ordinance would restrict citizens from owning animals classified as dangerous. Among the animals included on the list are tigers, bobcats, raccoons, bears, monkeys, venomous snakes and pit bull dogs. The ordinance defines "Pit Bull Dog", as the following breeds: Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier and Any mixed breed of dog from these breeds. Based upon the proposed ordinance, citizens already owning a pit bull dog will be able to lawfully keep their animals by following several requirements included in the ordinance. Those standards include registration with the City; Payment of an annual registration fee of $50; Secure confinement of the animal which will be inspected by the Codes Department annually; Signage displayed at their residence; and Liability insurance in the amount of $100,000. Citizens would have sixty (60) days to comply with all regulations of the ordinance, once it is passed. There is a separate procedure to apply for the keeping of other dangerous animals on the list, if they meet certain criteria.
NEW JERSEY
S1643 - An Act concerning the sterilization of cats and dogs and supplementing Title 4 of the Revised Statutes. Requires all cats and dogs released from shelters and pounds be sterilized with certain exceptions, and establishes penalty for noncompliance.
Alloway Township - (09/01/10) township committee has passed a new ordinance on first reading that will strengthen township code on the ownership of vicious or potentially dangerous dogs. The ordinance states that animal control officers will be authorized to seize and impound a dog which may be vicious or potentially dangerous. Notice of the seizure will be given to the municipal court, the municipal health officer, and the owner of the dog.
NORTH CAROLINA
Charlotte - (09/13/10) city council approved amendments to its tethering ordinance. The changes take effect in March and include requirements concerning the length and weight of the chain. It also requires a dog to be four months and older to be tethered.
Guilford County - Greensboro - (10/07/10) Board of Commissioners first vote on proposed changes of the ordinance which provides stricter penalties against breeders that abuse animals passed by an 8-3 vote. A second vote, which will require majority for approval. Commissioner Linda Shaw supports the ordinance and drafted the new proposals. Commissioner Billy Yow voted against the ordinance.
TENNESSEE
Memphis - (09/28/10) City Council adopts neuter, spay law. The new ordinance exempts service dogs, animals used by law enforcement, animals registered with approved organizations like the American Kennel Club and the Cat Fancier Association and those based on a veterinarian's recommendation that should not be altered for health reasons. It also allows owners of fertile animals to pay for a one-time $200 permit to avoid the regulation. UPDATE (10/06/10) City Council passed a new law requiring that all pets be spayed or neutered. The bill exempts dogs used for law enforcement, animals registered with the AKC and Cat Fancier Associatoin, and those that based on a veterinarian's recommendation should not be altered for health reasons. It also allows owners who want to keep their animals intact to pay a one-time $200 fee to get a permit to do so.
UTAH
Ogden - (09-28-10) City Council held a work session meeting to learn more about the breed so they can make an educated decision on whether or not to approve breed specific legislation to the current animal ordinance. The proposed regulations include requiring a $25,000 liability insurance, implanting a microchip ID in the dogs, establishing stricter confinement and leash requirements, and making it a Class B misdemeanor for any violations. City Council did not vote on the issue.
WISCONSIN
Sheboygan - (09/29/10) An ordinance placing heavy restrictions on dangerous dogs in the City of Sheboygan, including confining them to a stockade-style fenced yard when outdoors, forcing their owners to carry $300,000 in liability insurance in case their dog attacks and injures another person, and enforcing strict leash and muzzle requirements, was unanimously passed Wednesday by the Common Council's Public Protection and Safety Committee. The ordinance, introduced by Ald. Scott Versey, also would require owners of dangerous dogs to place warning signs on their premises, and ban anyone under the age of 18 from controlling the dog with a leash. The Common Council is expected to vote on the ordinance next Monday (10/04/10). UPDATE (10/04/10) Ald. Scott Versey had introduced an ordinance singled out five dog breeds American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Terrier, American PPit Bull Terrier, Miniature Pit Bull Terrier or Staffordshire Bull Terrier. It also covered any dog displaying the majority of physical traits of any one or more of those breeds. Versey said he originally thought of including up to 12 dog breeds on the list. The ordinance would have required confining them to a stockade-style fenced yard when outdoors, forcing their owners to carry $300,000 in liability insurance, putting muzzles on them when in public and would have required owners to place warning signs on their property and ban anyone younger than 18 from controlling the dog with a leash. The ordinance was modeled after laws in Milwaukee, South Milwaukee, Independence, Mo., and Denver. It had already cleared the council's Public Protection and Safety Committee. Ald. Eric Rindfleisch said, "I think we need to start over on this one. and moved to file, Versey's ordinance. The council agreed. The council then voted to create a committee that would include representatives from the police department and Sheboygan County Humane Society, as well as aldermen and dog owners that would return to the council next month with a new ordinance.
IN OTHER COUNTRIES – OF INTEREST !!!
BELGIUM
Multi-Annual Cat Plan 2011-2016 - Over the next five years, the Belgian government plans to fix nearly all of the country's kitties. The first part of the plan is that all shelter cats will be spayed or neutered. Later, cat sellers will have to comply with the new law. And you can forget about the "Kittens for Sale" ads on the street corner. Selling kittens through small ads or bulletin-board notices will be banned.
EUROPEAN UNION
(09/08/10) Europe banned the use of great apes in animal testing Wednesday as part of drastically tightened rules to scale back the number of animals used in scientific research.
