Legislative

Chairperson: Monique Bertrand

Contact: legislative@amstaff.org

Co-Chairperson: Holly Johnson

The American Staffordshire Terrier falls into the generalized category of dogs that are constantly under threat of breed specific legislation, media biased reporting and discriminatory regulation.  In addition to legislative discrimination, an owner of an AmStaff must also be aware of one’s homeowners and rental insurance regulations and breed restrictions.

In today’s legislative climate, we are no longer faced with just breed discrimination, but also “breeder” discrimination.  We need to ensure that our puppies and dogs are placed in forever homes, and if the need arises, we are able to take them back. They should not be relinquished to shelters or rescues when they can no longer be cared for. We need to ensure we do our very best to know where our puppies/dogs are thru out their lifespan.

The hobby breeders are falling under scrutiny and proposed legislative laws, which aim to remove our rights as dog owners, and how we care for them.  Breeding limitations, the number of dogs we are allowed to have, mandatory spay/neuter, housing regulations… These are being proposed thru out the country by the AR lobbyists on both state and local levels.

*We are owners of our dogs, and one should never use or refer to the term "guardian."  Once we are deemed "guardians" of our pets, we will lose all rights as to how we can care for them and what we can do with them: conformation, obedience, working and training venues.*

From the AKC"… the term guardian may in fact reduce the legal status and value of dogs as property and thereby restrict the rights of owners, veterinarians, and government agencies to protect and care for dogs. It may also subject them to frivolous and expensive litigation."

By having an AmStaff as part of your family, you will have a wonderful companion, but this comes with additional responsibilities. You need to ensure you provide adequate socialization, training and care. You must be wary of the dog laws in your state/community and if you are looking to relocate or move.

We need to be ever diligent and aware of the public perception and how they view us and our dogs. 

The STCA has a Public Relations Committee and a Legislative Committee. These members are here to help you with questions and concerns you might have regarding owning an AmStaff, and what you can do in your community to raise awareness and show the public what a well-bred American Staffordshire Terrier is all about!

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