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OUTSIDE CALIFORNIA LEGISLATIVE MATERIALS: Material on this page © The Animal Council 2006 - 2020
Materials on this page are provided for reference, typically supplementing other work done by us or others and are not intended as a
comprehensive or even current resource. To obtain up-to-date information for any local jurisdiction, make a preliminary visit to any
websites including online code sources, but only the jurisdiction itself -- either the clerk (or equivalent) to the lawmaking body or the legal
counsel are appropriate and reliable sources of current law. This is not the function of law enforcement agencies, nor should anyone uncertain
of his own compliance status initiate contact with law enforcement agencies prior to analyzing all current applicable law. Consulting with your
own local attorney may be necessary to assure your personal understanding and options, in the event of detrimental impact.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The Animal Council's primary focus is California. At the end of 2013, we created this new "Outside California Legislative Materials" page and
limited "Current Legislative Materials" to California county and municipal jurisdictions. Although no longer try to keep these entries current, there are watersheds that
should be readily available, such as Louisville and Albuquerque. We will continue to update and add materials as appropriate.
INDIANA:
5/4/06 City of Bloomington, December 2005 enacted ordinance substituting "owner/guardian" with numerous amendments to
"reflect current animal-related issues": deletes licensing; adds "humane treatment" specific standards including time and
manner of tethering; increases the numbers allowed before a noncommercial kennel permit required; allows feral cat colonies
under permits/requirements; dangerous/vicious animal amendments increases breeder permit fees and more. This was the
14th "guardian" jurisdiction
INDIANAPOLIS/MARIAN COUNTY City-County Council Rules and Public Policy Committee held a public hearing on October 10,
2006 on a variety of ordinance amendments including mandatory microchip (dogs & cats)/sterilization of "animals" except
"show, breeder, law enforcement, service or competition animal or crime prevention dog." (LA County copycat concept.)
Updated 10/11/06 On 10/11, the Committee revised Proposal 370 to eliminate the MSN provision and allow optional
microchipping in lieu of collar/tags, and this was approved by the full Council 11/06.
City of Marion has amendments to its animal ordinance that would impose objectionable provisions including unaltered
permits for dogs and cats, “major” and “minor” breeding permits (terminology seen in Indiana) and requires restraint of animals
at all times.
On Tuesday, January 3, 2006, the Marion City Council unanimously passed this ordinance on the second reading, but in
response to strong community opposition, referred the ordinance back to the Ordinance Committee for possible revisions and
return to the Council on April 4 for a third hearing.
KENTUCKY
Updated 12/31/06 LOUISVILLE/JEFFERSON COUNTY 8TH draft of amendments to the animal ordinance including breed
specific, reduced limits, extensive and expanded requirements for licensing and for dangerous dogs and much, much more
on December 11 passed the Louisville Government Administration, Rules, Ethics and Audit Committee by 4-3 vote after a motion
to table failed. A number of amendments were approved (see minutes) and the ordinance passed the full Metro Council on
December 19, 2006 with many, many amendments, BSL deleted but unaltered dog covered by provisions typically associated
with dogs determined dangerous. A final version is NOW available. LOUISVILLE, CHAPTER 19, ANIMALS, FLOOR SUBSTITUTE AS
AMENDED. Also see Louisville Animal Services and for local opposition information, Louisville Pets 1/4/07 Mayor Jerry
Abramson signed the ordinance.
Updated 4/6/07 Ordinance re-enacted on party lines, April 5, with minor amendments. 2/18/08 A group of organizations and
individuals filed a lawsuit, still in progress; however, a number of provisions in the 2006 ordinance have been amended in a
revised ordinance enacted in December 2007.
10/09 Louisville KC et al v. Louisville/Jefferson Metro Govt was decided by the US District Court, Western District of KY (federal
trial court, i.e. this decision applies only on the facts of this case to these parties and is not citable precedent in other
litigation), upholding the ordinance on all issues raised except two, potentially useful to local parties challenging enforcement
actions.
MICHIGAN MI STATE LEGISLATURE
MI H.B. No. 6395, Rep. Bill Caul, regulation/licensing "pet sellers" of more than 2 dogs or cats OR more than 1 litter in 12 mo
period: FBI Crim. check (may deny if fel/misdemnr animal/domestic violence convic.) $200/yr, issued locally. Introduced 9/3 and
referred to Commitee on Agriculture [Note, 1969 PA 224, MCL 287.381 et seq covers Regulation of dealers and facilities using
animals in research, i.e. excluded from bill; MI Dept of Ag faclities regulations apply to covered sellers.) Update 9/8/08, HB 6395
is being withdrawn.
MINNESOTA
SF 121 by State Senator Don Bezold (D-51) would enact the Dog and Cat Breeders Acts requiring state licensing and regulation
by the Board of Animal Health based on a numerical threshold of possessing, as expressly defined, 6 or more “adult, intact
breeding females” without distinction as to species and imposes far more onerous and stringent standards than for other state
licensees or would likely be adopted through rulemaking or any stakeholder input process. 2 additional co-authors have been
added. Updated 2/14/07
MONTANA
CITY OF GREAT FALLS City Commission on January 2, 2007 conducted a public hearing and final reading of a replacement
animal ordinance. Registration for cats at 8 weeks and cat confinement, limits of 2+2 w/o multiple animal permit and commercial
kennel license limited by zoning for "breeding dogs, cats, reptiles or any pet animal for compensation are issues of concern.
The Staff Report cited the work of "The Blue Ribbon Committee for Animal Control Issues." Staff then revised the ordinance
with additions including hobby breeder permits (2 dog litters, 4 cat litters, offspring removed by 4 months), and with no further
hearing the new ordinance was unanimously passed on January 16, 2007. 1/16/07 amended provisions Final Ordinance,
effective July 1, 2007. Updated 2/1/07
NEVADA
CLARK COUNTY
NORTH LAS VEGAS On 1/2/08 passed an amended animal ordinance as well as a mandatory sterilization ordinance. Unaltered
dog/cat licenses, $25 annually, limit 3 each >3 mos., MSN by 4 mos. unless medical exemption or fancier permit, limit 6, $25
annually. New 1/8/08 Proposed revisions to definitions, August 17, 2015 New 8/24/15
NEW JERSEY
UPDATED 8/8/06 A 3401 (Cohen/Voss) breaks new ground in attempting to restrict breeding and sales of cats and dogs
through state law and regulation, but it does build on a framework of existing law and regulation. Bill PDF HTML Reference
material. Current state forms for Pet Dealers and Pet Stores. Responding to opposition submitted by email, Assembly Deputy
Speaker Neil M. Cohen has responded, "First, I want to thank everyone who sent an email regarding the above legislation. The
bill as currently introduced is not going to be moved without major changes, many of which I know must be modified. Please
forward your suggestions by email, if you can, regarding the legislation, and any ideas to improve the same. For those who
don't know, I am a protector of animals, particularly dogs, and the consumers who purchase puppies. Our dialogue will
continue with respect to this legislation. Thank You"
NEW MEXICO
New 2/14/07 HB 1106, the Pet Owner Responsibility Act would codify as New Mexico state law the Los Angeles County mandatory
spay/neuter model and extend it to cats. Updated 3/12/07 Author has dropped the bill.
NEW 12/30/06 Governor Bill Richardson's 12/30/06 press release detailing a $3.6 million animal protection package to be
presented to the Legislature next month.
UPDATED 6/11/06 City of Albuquerque already had an animal ordinance with some unusual provisions and a hobby breeding
facility permit ($50 per year) limited to persons involved in controlled breeding of dogs, cats, or ferrets which are registered
with a nationally or internationally recognized animal registry organization but additional competing restrictive ordinances
elevate this city to red flag status for relocation or placement. The a proposal by Mayor Chavez, the "SNAP" or "Spay Neuter
Albuquerque Pets Ordinance" intended as an alternative to the "Heart" ordinance (see below) would require, "All dogs and cats
owned by any person in the City of Albuquerque shall be spayed or neutered. SNAP would not apply to hobby breeders, but
hobby breeders are the only persons who may legally possess a dog or cat in the Albuquerque city limits if the dog or cat is
capable of breeding. Intact Animal Permits are hereby abolished and shall not be granted in the future. Dogs and cats that
already exist and reside in households in the City as of the effective date of the enactment of SNAP shall be microchipped but
do not have to be spayed or neutered until December 31, 2007."
Council Member Sally Mayer's (pronounced "my-a") 65-page "HEART" Humane and Ethical Animal Rules and Treatment
ordinance to replace the existing ordinance with an entirely new, unique rhetoric filled rendition was heard on May 1 by the
City Council for final adoption with public testimony. Councilor Mayer offered 3 separate lists of extensive amendments and 5
hours of public testimony was taken with the matter continued to May 15 when the Council spent several more hours
presenting and voting on numerous amendments with Mayer having enough votes to sustain her premise of protecting animals
at the expense of people. The Council adjourned at 10:30 pm and to tackle the matter again on May 22. Councilor Don Harris
opposed HEART and tried to "help" dog fanciers with a Los Angeles County "competition" dog copycat definition (including his
drafted provision to cover dogs up to 18 months of age with a statement of intent to compete) to support at lower unaltered fee
and allow one impound without mandatory s/n. On May 22, 2006, the Council passed the HEART final version, to be effective
August 22 with a 6 month grace period to alter and microchip (or relocate) "companion animals." Introduced August 7, were
amendments "To Clarify the Requirement To Provide Access To Water and To Clarify An Exception To The Activities That
Constitute Cruelty". Added 3/8/2020 RIO GRANDE KENNEL CLUB v. CITY OF ALBUQUERQUE, decided June 2, 2008, Court of
Appeals of New Mexico.
NORTH CAROLINA
DAVIDSON COUNTY The public hearing before the County Commissioners on the proposed ordinance amendment for a one-
time $100 permit to keep an unaltered cat or dog ($50.00 each over 5) is planned for Tues., Feb. 13, 2007 in Lexington, North
Carolina. The staff report for the Jan. 4 informational meeting indicates a Commission appointed committee copied the 2004
Buncombe County ordinance on the belief that this causes shelter intake reduction. 1/17/07 2/14/07 Commissioners defeated proposal
by 5-2 vote. New 5/22/16 Davidson County took over its animal shelter in August, 2015, and in 2016 formed a 14 member animal
advisory committee to address animal control issues in the county including increased s/n. 3/13/2017 update.
OKLAHOMAde
City of Lawton, Comanche County, Resolution 07-06 was adopted by the City Council on February 13, 2007
amending the Animal Ordinance with a "Breeding/Advertising/Transfer permit" or "(B.A.T.)" and some unusual and troubling
provisions. New 2/21/07
OHIO HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Updated 12/9/06 2005 H 606, as introduced (companion SB 342, not assigned to committee) would create a new state licensing
and regulatory authority for "commercial dog kennels, commercial dog intermediaries, animal rescues for dogs, and animal
shelters for dogs" as defined and based on numerical thresholds and purposes and a consumer protection provision for pet
shop sales of dogs. Current state law includes provision for county auditors administering dog license and kennel
registration. This bill would also delete kennel registration references from local authority. H 606 was scheduled for hearing
before the Ohio House Committee on State Government (contact info), Thursday, December 7, 2006 at 9:30 a.m. A revised,
expanded version of H 606 is now available. 2/07 This bill died at the end of the 2006 session.
City of Athens has repealed its 2004 mandatory dog/cat sterilization before transfer ordinance prior to trial of the lawsuit filed
against it in 2005 by Petland. A new ordinance of undetermined content is anticipated. 9/30/06
PENNSYLVANIA Governor, Democrat Edward G. Rendell earlier this year removed and replaced members of the Dog Law
Advisory Board and is working to revise regulations pursuant to the Dog Law and propose legislation to amend the Dog Law.
The proposed regulatory changes have been published on for a 60-day comment period ending February 14, 2007. Updated
2/2/07, The comment period for the draft Dog Law regulations will be extended
for an additional 30 days, until March 16, 2007. Official notice of this extension will be published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin on
February 10, 2007. The Regulatory Review Process in Pennsylvania PA Bureau of Dog Law New 12/15/06
Updated 4/17/07 Comments of the Independent Regulatory Review Commission, April 16, 2007
RHODE ISLAND:
Rhode Island House bill 7906 SUB A (an amended version), has been enacted and codifies the schemes of the recently enacted
local ordinances requiring sterilization of all cats over 6 months without a breeding permit and regulation of feral cat
caretakers. Permit language and provisions derive from the original San Mateo County ordinance (see Publications page)
except there is no litter number restriction which is not species-appropriate. H 7906 also imposes a $1.00 surcharge on
town dog licenses to fund town spay/neuter funds with this and permit funds to be divided equally between spay/neuter
accounts for designated low income individuals and for all other s/n programs. There is a 120 grace period for compliance.
Towns may, by local ordinance, prohibit cat breeding altogether. Updated 6/11/06
City of Pawtucket, December 7, 2005 City Council meeting Agenda Item 22. THE ANIMAL CONTROL COMMITTEE SUBMITS THE
FOLLOWING ORDINANCE TO BE TABLE ON THE TABLE: AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 116 OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF PAWTUCKET, 1996, ENTITLED “ANIMALS” –
ESTABLISHING SPAY OR NEUTER REQUIREMENTS FOR CATS IN THE CITY OF PAWTUCKET. This ordinance would require altering
of all cats over 6 months without a revocable "intact permit" at a one-time fee of $100 for a "pure bred show" cat or one for
which the owner signed a statement that it will not be bred. The permit would be revocable for failure to comply with any
conditions, pay any fees or allow inspection of the permitted cat or premises on 48 hours written notice.
http://www.pawtucketri.com
City of Warwick has a similar ordinance pending. This ordinance requires spay/neuter of all cats over 6 months of age except
for individuals covered by a license to breed cats, fee of $100 per cat per year subject to conditions. Feral cat caretakers as
defined are exempt. (Note: City of Warwick has 3 dog, 3 cat limit subject to a permit for more.) http://www.warwickri.gov
SOUTH CAROLINA:
Aiken County, South Carolina Animal Control Advisory Committee will now consider the following ordinance for the
unincorporated county.
City of Aiken, Aiken County in the low country area north of Augusta, Georgia
Aiken, South Carolina proposed animal ordinance amendments, October 2005
November 14, 2005 the City of Aiken ordinance was passed with the intention of being a model ordinance for Aiken County. The
Aiken County Animal Advisory Committee meets on November 29th. Key provisions are: $100/unsterilized animal ($80 if
microchipped) for a lifetime fee. $200 for 5 unsterilized animals and $300 for above that number. $15 for sterilized animals -
one time fee. If microchipped - no fee. $15 for spay/neuter, microchip, rabies - low income families only. $25/year for a kennel
license. A kennel is 6 or more dogs or 6 or more cats or 6 or more carnivorous mammals (fertile OR sterilized animals!) -
requires a kennel license plus empowers authorized agents of the City to enter the premises of any kennel unencumbered.
Exotic animals - One animal will require a kennel license (includes reptiles and squirrels as well as all other exotic species)
Identified hybrid - wild animal crossbred to domestic dogs or cats. One such animal will require a kennel license. Barking,
whining, howling, yowling, cackling or crowing for 10 minutes or longer constitutes a nuisance animal that can be impounded.
Failure to provide food for a period of more than 24 hours and/or water or other necessary care for more than 12 hours is a
violation of the ordinance and the owner will forfeit all ownership of the animal(s). The special exemption for the hunting dogs
was removed.
TEXAS 254 Texas counties, 1208 incorporated cities State Dept of Licensing & Regulation Advisory Com Application 1/5/15
TDLR ANNUAL INVENTORY OF DOGS AND CATS HELD AT FACILITY, due annually by February 15. 5/19/2015 Proposed amendment to regs to update TDLR's
website URL. No substantive changes. Administrative amendment: 16 TAC Chapter 91, amendments to §91.74, 8/3/15 requiring specific language re TDLR in
sales/transfer contracts. 8/ 18/15
BEXAR COUNTY
City of San Antonio 9/13/07 City of San Antonio Animal Care Services: See related documents at site.
12/13/07 City Council unanimously passed Chapter 5 animal ordinance revisions.
COLLIN COUNTY Cities
City of Plano 2/15/09 City Council 2/18/09 meeting, agenda item q regarding fees, item r, repeal existing animal ordinance,
adopt new ordinance with extensive revisions, limits, redemption, transfer (no more than 1 litter/12 mos unless Commercial
brder permit, over 4 mos. sterilized, microchipped, rabies vac at 3 mos)
DALLAS COUNTY Dallas City Code (AmLegal)
City of Dallas Link revised 7/9/2018 has long prohibited animal sales from residences by zoning ordinance, and current proposed city
ordinance revisions from the Animal Shelter Commission to City Staff would include: tethering & restraint issues; mandatory s/n
w/o breeding permit, approved registry & club membership at $500 per year and more; limit imposition of a 6 dog/cat total on
single family residences, foster care provider allowed total 10 w/unnanounced inspections; "miscellaneous" changes and
penalties; and changes to the dangerous dog Article. 3/30/08
4/21/08 The "Discussion Draft" 2440 kb with "reasons" for proposed ordinance changes, dated 1/30/08. 5/20/08 The City Council
is expected to consider the ordinance on 6/18 with a vote on 6/25. 6/14/08 The Wednesday, June 18, City Council Briefing
Meeting will consider the revised proposed changes (breeding permit fee lowered to $70; mandatory microchip for all), draft
ordinance and comparison of key provisions to those of a number of other Texas jurisdictions. Note, unaltered registration fee
is $30 + MSN dog/cat at 6 mos unless qualifying for $70 annual breeding permit. 6/19/08 Ordinance to be on regular council
agenda for Wed., June 25. 6/25/08 Dallas City Council passed ordinance 10-3 (2 absent) after rejecting proposed substitute
ordinance, 9-4.
EL PASO COUNTY
City of El Paso, after nearly 2 years, an amended ordinance is agendized for the December 13 City Council meeting as Item
"14. PUBLIC HEARINGS - MAYOR AND COUNCIL: An Ordinance amending Title 7 (Animals) of the El Paso City code in its
entirety, providing that penalties for violations thereof shall not exceed two-thousand dollars ($2,000.00) per day per
violations as provided in 7.04.080 of the El Paso City Code. [Representative Beto
O'Rourke, (915) 541-4268] POSTPONED FROM 12/06/05" http://www.elpasotexas.gov
The El Paso ordinance includes cat confinement, mandatory microchip, periodic canvassing, and breeding permits for female
dogs and cats, $75 for permit covering 2 litters per female within a 12 month period, permit to be obtained within 10 days of
birth of litter. Note, ordinance reference to kennel definition in Title 20 of the Municipal code reads: 20.02.408 Kennel.
"Kennel" means any premises on which five or more dogs or cats, four months of age or older, are kept; or where the business
of buying, selling, breeding, grooming, training or boarding of dogs or cats is conducted. The retail sale of animals may be
permitted as a part of a kennel operation; however, for the purpose of setbacks and other specific restrictions, a retail pet
shop shall not be classified as a kennel. (Prior code § 25-6 (part))
The El Paso City Council on December 13, passed by 6-2 vote the above revisions, the first in 20 years. East-Valley city Rep.
Eddie Holguin and East-Central city Rep. José Alexandro Lozano voted against the ordinance.
The El Paso City Council at its January 24, 2006 meeting will consider amending , "Discussion and action on an Ordinance
amending Title 7 (Animals) of the El Paso City Code, to provide fairness in the application of this section of the El Paso City
Code and to ensure that the rights of the economically disadvantaged and those living on fixed incomes are not unduly
burdened, by amending certain portions of Ordinance 16229, consistent with the language of the Title 7 prior to 13 December
2005. [Representative Melina Castro, (915) 541-4400 and Representative Jose Alexandro Lozano, (915) 541-4515] The
proposed amendment recognizes animal ownership as a quality of life issue for which unreasonable and onerous regulation
and taxation more restrictive than state law is detrimental.
WILLIAMSON COUNTY
City of Austin, the activist Animal Advisory Commission (AAC) of the City of Austin continues to revise its proposed ordinance
with a punitive scheme of intact, transitory, exhibitor (conformation showing requirements) and breeding permits
(AKC/UKC/CFA/TICA breed club members only, conformation showing required) as exceptions to mandatory s/n of all cats and
dogs over 6 months. To date, the City Council has declined to proceed. 12/19/05 Revision. At its February 2006 meeting, the
AAC accepted additional changes to the "Austin Save a Pet (ASAP)" proposal. 2/06 Revision. The Health and Human Services
Department does not support the ASAP proposal and has its own Staff Recommendations based on common, proven
techniques to reduce shelter intake and euthanasia.
NEW 2/22/08 Austin City Council is to vote, Thurs., Feb. 28 on ordinance amendment providing anyone who exchanges for
consideration (doesn't have to be money) more than 15 dogs or cats in a year is a pet trader and must meet the requirements in
the document. Not for profit exchanges are not included to exclude rescues. This will not exclude breeders. This ordinance
first appeared at the AAC on Feb. 19 and has not been adequately reviewed and includes a $50 "processing fee", mandatory
microchip, disclosures and record retention, and more.
NEW 1/2/07 City of Georgetown enacted a new ordinance, effective 12/27/06 requiring $35 breeder permit, $250 pet store
permit for pet sales, mandatory s/n on 2nd impound, mandatory microchip on impound or adoption.
VERMONT State Senator Ann Cummings (D-Washington County) acummings@leg.state.vt.us introduced SB 250 bill proposes
to prohibit cropping a dog’s ears for cosmetic purposes or any purposes other than "therapeutic" as defined. A violation would
result in a civil fine unless the person has a prior violation or the cropping was conducted by someone who is not a licensed
veterinarian or was done without providing the dog with anesthesia, in which case it would constitute cruelty under Vermont’s
existing statute prohibiting mutilation. The bill does not prohibit owning, harboring, selling, buying, or adopting a dog with
cropped ears or showing a dog with cropped ears in a dog show or competition. Senator Cummings is a former City Council
member and Mayor of Montpelier and a multi-term Senator elected with support of Emily's List helping pro-choice Democrats.
She obtained a real estate sales license in 2004 and is at Coldwell Banker Heney in Montpelier.
Hearing was held before the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Friday, January 20, 2006, and the bill was reported favorably on
January 31 with recommendation of amendment. S.250 as amended and passed by the Senate was assigned the House
Agriculture Committee and heard on March 15 but never voted.
UPDATED 5/24/06 The Vermont Legislature adjourned.
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http://www.leg.state.vt.us
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WASHINGTON
City of Tacoma City Council amendments to the existing ordinance Title 17, Ordinance No. 27558 passed its Final Reading
unanimously Tuesday, December 5, 2006. This amends Chapters 17.01 through 17.05 of the Municipal Code relating to animal
control, enacting uniform civil infraction penalties for violations and civil infraction
options for barking/animal noise violations, removing conflicts with state law and clarifying animal control procedures. On
Tuesday, December 12, a public hearing was held on additional Police Department proposed changes to Title 17 including limit
reductions, breeding permits, MSN on impound - no non-medical exceptions, ban on livestock, poultry and dangerous dogs,
new law for "problem owners" and new law on responsibilities of owners. This agenda item was a sketchy conceptual policy
proposal rather than a drafted ordinance from which specific issues can be raised. The hearing ran from 5:37 p.m. to 7:46 p.m.
City of Tacoma Animal Control
Updated 3/20/07 Public Safety and Human Services Committee on Thursday, March 22 at 5:00pm in Room 708 of the Tacoma
Municipal Building, 747 Market Street - Highlights & Contacts Proposal Amendments
Materials are posted here for convenient access and may not be otherwise available online. Contact us for additional details
about individual matters. Theanimalcouncil@aol.com
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