Legislative Alerts

On Tuesday, April 16, a California Assembly committee will be considering a bill seeking to address concerns in animal shelters and change the definition of breeder in California code to encompass hobbyists. The proposal, as currently written, insinuates that people who breed as few as ONE litter are contributing to animal shelter population concerns. California […]

On Tuesday, April 9, the Los Angeles City Council voted to suspend the issuance of new breeding permits until city animal shelters are below 75 percent of capacity. AKC continues to strenuously oppose this measure as responsible dog breeders are not the reason why city animal shelters are in distress. AKC will continue to advocate […]

On Tuesday, April 9, the Los Angeles City Council voted to suspend the issuance of new breeding permits until city animal shelters are below 75 percent of capacity. AKC continues to strenuously oppose this measure as responsible dog breeders are not the reason why city animal shelters are in distress. AKC will continue to advocate […]

The New York Senate has passed a ban on “debarking” – a recognized veterinary practice also known as bark softening. Senate Bill 142 would prohibit veterinarians from performing this procedure unless it is medically necessary to treat an injury, illness, or congenital defect. Senate Bill 142 has now been referred to the Assembly Agriculture Committee […]

A positive Tennessee state bill that recognizes the value of therapy dogs is scheduled to be heard by the Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee at their meeting on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at 8:30am. Tennessee residents are encouraged to contact committee members and ask them to vote yes on Senate Bill 1867. Please scroll […]

Summary: On Wednesday, April 3, the Los Angeles Neighborhoods and Community Enrichment Committee voted to send a proposal to the full Los Angeles City Council that would suspend the issuance of new breeding permits. The full city council will consider the proposal on Tuesday, April 9. See below for more info! Reminder: this proposal would […]

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to consider a problematic animal ordinance at their April 9, 2024, meeting. Every pet owner, breeder, rescue group, foster pet caretaker, and individual in DeKalb County who transfers, gives away, or sells a pet would be affected by this proposed new law. Additionally, the collection and retention […]

Summary: On Wednesday, April 3, the Los Angeles Neighborhoods and Community Enrichment Committee voted to send a proposal to the full Los Angeles City Council that would suspend the issuance of new breeding permits. There is not a date set for the city council to consider this proposal, but AKC will provide updates as they […]

The City of Springfield has decided to table a proposal at least temporarily that would require anyone who breeds in city limits to first obtain a $100 annual breeder permit. AKC thanks local club members and hobbyists who took the time to reach out to the council to express your concerns with the proposal.  We […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) is pleased to report that an extremist New Hampshire bill that would have criminalized some breeders failed to meet a March 28, 2024, legislative deadline, likely ending any further consideration of the bill for the remainder of the 2024 legislative session. House Bill 1102 sought to describe brachycephaly as a […]