Limit Law Sample Letters to the Editor

Letter #1 (If proposal would require immediate relinquishment of animals):
As a responsible dog owner, I oppose (be specific – the city council proposal, state legislative bill, etc.) that would limit the number of dogs a person can own.  This law would force me to give up our beloved family pets to the local shelter in order to comply with the limit while doing nothing to address the issue of irresponsible owners.  Instead of a limit law, the (city, county, state – be specific) should focus on strong enforcement of animal control laws.  This would hold ALL pet owners accountable – regardless of whether they own one pet or many pets – without forcing my family to choose which of our pets should be taken from a loving home and put in the shelter.  
Letter #2 (If grandfather clause allowing owners to keep current dogs):
I am a responsible dog owner who is very concerned about (be specific – the city council proposal, state legislative bill, etc.) that would limit the number of dogs a person can own.  Although the proposal would allow me to keep my current pets, it would never allow me to own over the limit again.  This is an unfair punishment for responsible owners like myself who abide by the laws, ensure our dogs are not a nuisance to our neighborhood, and care for them properly.  It does nothing to address the true issue of irresponsible owners – who should be held accountable no matter how many dogs they own.  The (city, county, state – be specific) should devote its resources to strong enforcement of all animal control laws.  This would address the concerns of the community without placing unfair and arbitrary restrictions on responsible dog owners like me.
Letter #3 (From Taxpayer):
As a (city, county, state – be specific) taxpayer, I am very concerned about the proposed law to limit animal ownership.  This will force people to give up their pets to the shelters rather than keep them in loving homes.  Not only is this not in the best interest of the dogs, it also has an impact on the local economy, as these dogs will be housed and possibly even euthanized at the taxpayers’ expense.  It also sends the clear message this (city, county, state) is not dog-friendly, and that dog events, which generate significant money for local businesses, are not welcome in the community.   I urge the lawmakers to devote their resources to strong enforcement of general animal control laws, which would address concerns without punishing responsible dog owners and taxpayers. (If there is a local show or dog event in the community, view AKC’s Economic Benefits of Dog Shows handout for quotable information about the value of events in the community.)