Staffordshire Terrier Club of America - Legislative Committee

Bill Name: SB554
State: Alabama
Date of Proposal: 4/2/09

A bill recently proposed in Alabama seeks to implement a statewide mandatory spay/neuter policy for all dog over the age of six months. Similar in design to California’s AB1634, SB554 would:

• Make it illegal to own an intact dog over the age of 6 months, unless the dog met a certain set of requirements for exemption such as:
  • The dog is actively showing or competing and has competed in at least one show or sporting competition hosted by or under the approval of a recognized registry within the last two years
  • The dog is a puppy in training for such shows and competitions.
  • The dog is trained or in training for use in law enforcement, military, or rescue activities, or has been titled in the past in a sport
  • The dog has a note from a veterinarian specifying health reasons why it cannot be altered.
• Subject those owners found to be in violation to $50-$100 fines
• Result in forced mandatory sterilization of dogs found to be in violation upon a 3rd offense

Please contact your STCA Legislative Liaison to find out how you can help.

Ridgeland, Mississippi is proposing to ban American pit bull terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Rottweilers and “any dog whose mama or daddy is one of those things,” which is a direct quote from City Attorney James Gabriel.  Alderman Gerald Steen is the biggest proponent of the ban, and Aldermen Ken Heard and Scott Jones said they are not convinced the city should ban certain breeds.
If the amendment passes, any dog owner keeping banned dogs will have 30 days to remove the dogs.

Any person found guilty of violating the ordinance, considered a misdemeanor crime, may be fined no more than $1,000 and/or imprisoned no more than 90 days, however each day of violation will be considered a separate offense and will be enforced as such, including a new fine etc & etc.

STCA members are encouraged to write letters to any and all city officials, including Ridgeland Chief of Police, Jimmy Houston, who is in favor of the ban.

Ridgeland’s proposed ban is a replica of the ban already enacted by the neighboring city of Clinton, MS.

Please contact an STCA regional representative for form letter suggestions, and other ideas to oppose this legislation.  There are many ‘Staff breeders in and around MS, let’s not let this legislation continue to spread in that area!

A picture can say a thousand words…and help fight legislation at the same time!

The new and improved STCA Legislative Committee has found a new way to allow you to “showcase” your wonderful Staf with everyone in attendance at the banquet! The slide show will also be available on CD for purchase during the Club Banquet.

For a donation, your AST can be seen on the “Big Screen” during our National Club Banquet. Your donations will go to help build our club’s Legislative Defense Fund, with proceeds earmarked to help various clubs around the country defray the costs of battling crippling BSL and various other laws and lawsuits aimed at making owning our breed, or purebred dogs in general a thing of the past.

For the full specifics on this fundraiser please check out the page below.

2008 National Specialty Legislative Committee Fundraiser

Also make sure to check out the new region specific legislative pages by clicking your appropriate region on the map found on our STCA Legislative Zones page.

The Legislative Committee and the STCA thank you for your support!