*“Dangerous Dog” Control Legislation

The American Kennel Club supports reasonable, enforceable, non-discriminatory laws to govern the ownership of dogs. The AKC believes that dog owners should be responsible for their dogs. We support laws that: establish a fair process by which specific dogs are identified as “dangerous” based on stated, measurable actions; impose appropriate penalties on irresponsible owners; and establish a well-defined method for dealing with dogs proven to be dangerous. We believe that, if necessary, dogs proven to be “dangerous” may need to be humanely destroyed. The American Kennel Club strongly opposes any legislation that determines a dog to be “dangerous” based on specific breeds or phenotypic classes of dogs.

*The Right to Keep and Enjoy Dogs

The human-canine bond predates history. Since the dawn of civilization, people have enjoyed the companionship and assistance of dogs. Dog ownership has existed in all cultures, races, climates and economic situations - by monarchs, monks, nomads, and peasants.

The American Kennel Club strongly endorses the right to own, keep and breed dogs in a responsible and humane manner. We believe that responsible dog ownership is compatible with most living arrangements. The AKC opposes unreasonable limitations on pet ownership, such as the prohibition of dogs for residents of senior citizen and government subsidized housing facilities.

The American Kennel Club recognizes the special obligation of dog owners, not only to their pets but also to their neighbors. The AKC supports “curbing” and clean-up ordinances, leash laws, nuisance laws, and other reasonable regulations designed to ensure that dogs and their owners remain respected members of their communities.

(taken directly from www.UKCDOGS.com)

*U.K.C.'s Commitment to the Preservation of Dog Owner's Rights.

United Kennel Club believes that in a free society every responsible dog owner has certain inalienable rights, chief of which is the right to own the dog of his or her choosing, regardless of breed, without fear of discrimination or seizure by units of local, state or national government.

The last ten to fifteen years have witnessed the surfacing of two primary threats to dog ownership; media hysteria and animal rights. Dedicated to the preservation of dogs and the rights of dog owners, U.K.C. has taken an active role in legislative matters across the nation. Through the State Canine Awareness Network (SCAN), a creation of U.K.C., legislation is monitored and a network of well-prepared local, state and national organizations are called upon to stand in the gap for dog owners. A Public Relations Department has been formed with an emphasis on legislative issues. U.K.C. President Fred T. Miller has appeared as an expert witness in hearings across the nation on behalf of dog owners, especially in the area of breed-specific vicious dog ordinances and legislation. U.K.C. works closely with the American Dog Owner's Association and the Canine Defense Fund as well.

SCAN is a national network of dog owners and dog organizations dedicated to the fundamental right to own dogs. SCAN's goal is to create an awareness within every dog owner of the ominous threat to dog ownership existing in the animal rights movement. SCAN's aim is to arm dog owners and dog associations with the tools to defeat anti-dog legislation in its many forms at the local, state, and national levels. Thus prepared, subscribers to the SCAN philosophy will scan the local media for the slightest hint of "anti" sentiment or regulation. Once the threat is identified, the network may be called upon to provide strategic

support for the local effort.

The network also strives to ensure the survival of the dog sports through positive action on behalf of well-organized state associations. By learning what is working in other states, associations can push for adoption of those laws at home. In a word, SCAN will help dog owners and clubs to help themselves and enable them to call upon their fellow dog owners in other states when necessary for support and guidance.