Mandatory Spay/Neuter
KCDA is against mandatory spay/neuter (MSN) policies and supports the creation and support of voluntary, low-cost spay/neuter programs such as Spay & Neuter KC and No More Homeless Pets KC.  MSN has actually increased the kill rates in many cities and needs to be thoughtfully debated before any kind of mandatory spay/neuter efforts are instituted in any city.   Read More... 

Dog Parks
KCDA supports creation of dog parks.  We support behavior based dog safety policies for these parks.  Dog parks serve as a great recreation option for dog friendly dogs.  We strongly encourage all dog park patrons to learn more about dog behavior and body language and enroll in obedience classes prior to enjoying a dog park. 

Breed Specific Legislation
KCDA is 100% against any kind of Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) - also knows as "breed bans".  BSL has proven time again to be a costly, ineffective way to address the issues of dangerous dogs in communities.  The trend nationwide is away from BSL in favor of breed neutral dangerous dog laws.  As with light rail, Kansas City is woefully behind the times.  Knee jerk reactions, media inspired hysteria and political grandstanding has led several cities to enact BSL.  We urge dog owners of all breeds to reject this unfair, unconstitutional and wasteful use of tax payer money.   Read More...

Pet Limit Laws
KCDA is against restrictive pet limit laws.  We support addressing nuisance issues such as excessive barking or odors, as opposed to limiting people to a small number of pets.  Many people are able to care for numerous animals without creating any safety, noise or polution issues for their neighbors.  While others do not care for a single cat properly!  As always, we look for legislation to be base on behavior, not an arbitrary number.

Tethering
KCDA is against inhumane tethering - often referred to as 24/7 tethering.  There have been several studies that show long term tethering with lack of socialization creates a frustrated, aggressive animal.  Lack of exercise and socialization, frustration from boredom and the inability to take "flight" leaves a dog no option but to "fight" when a dog feels threatened. However, anti-tethering laws must be implemented with EXTREME caution.  In the hands of the wrong animal control department, a poorly written anti-tethering can be used to seize well cared for animals merely because they are tethered.

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