Legislative Alerts

United States Australian Shepherd Association
Position Statement On Breed Specific Legislation

Breed specific legislation should be of concern to all members of the dog fancy not just the breeds that have been deemed dangerous. While Australian Shepherds have not been targeted directly other legislation that is currently pending before several State legislatures could unduly tax and make information available to local authorities. With the availability of this information it is only a matter of time before laws are enacted that will affect all of us.

The USASA opposes breed specific legislation of any kind and does support responsible dog ownership. The USASA supports the position of the AKC.

Attention - West Hollywood, CA and Surrounding Areas.

West Hollywood, CA Considers Crop/Dock Ban (UPDATE) [Tuesday, February 08, 2005] At last night's meeting, Mayor John Duran followed through with his introduction of a motion to ban ear cropping, tail docking, debarking and other non-therapeutic procedures. If such a measure is allowed to pass, it will establish a very dangerous model for other cities and states to follow. Help is needed immediately from fanciers --particularly West Hollywood residents--to fight this proposal. It is critical that city officials hear from residents!
Responsible dog owners should have the right to make informed health care decisions about their pets. Please help by contacting officials at the numbers below.

[Monday, February 07, 2005]

Attention California fanciers! At their meeting this evening, the West Hollywood City Council will consider asking the City Attorney to draft an ordinance banning ear cropping, tail docking, debarking, and other non-therapeutic procedures.
The American Kennel Club recognizes that ear cropping and tail docking, as described in certain breed standards, is an acceptable practice integral to defining and preserving breed character and/or enhancing good health. Appropriate veterinary care should be provided. We further believe that responsible dog owners, in consultation with their veterinarian, should have the right to make decisions about proper care and treatment for their pets—not the government.
Purebred dog owners worked hard to defeat a cropping and docking ban at the state level last year. Now the issue is resurfacing at the local level and could set a dangerous precedent for similar ordinances across California. Your help is needed once again!

What You Can Do:
Contact the Mayor and West Hollywood City Council Members. Urge them to oppose the ban on non-therapeutic procedures, including cropping and docking

City of West Hollywood
8300 Santa Monica Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Phone: (323) 848-6460
Fax: (323) 848-6562
http://www.weho.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=nav&navid=16

Mayor and City Council
The Honorable John J. Duran, Mayor
Councilmember Abbe Land
Councilmember Sal Guarriello
Councilmember John Heilman
Councilmember Jeffrey Prang

Legislative Committee