Legislative Alerts

A public hearing will be held February 1, 2013 on House Bill 233, which would require licensing of "commercial dog breeders" subject to unnamed fees, would require unannounced inspections, and would establish requirements and standards of care. A commercial dog breeder would be defined as a person who owns, maintains, or otherwise has custody or […]

The Wyoming Senate unanimously passed Senate File 137, which provides peace officers, animal control officers, and local governments with the ability to take animals if they witness what they believe to be acts of cruelty. If the animals are taken, then the owner must cover the costs of care, and the local government may have […]

AKC Government Relations has just learned that New Mexico House Bill 63, which would prohibit counties and municipalities from enacting breed-specific regulations, is scheduled to be considered by the House Health, Government and Indian Affairs Committee tomorrow, Thursday, January 31. New Mexico residents are strongly encouraged to contact the members of the committee, as well […]

The Maryland House Judiciary Committee is considering a measure tomorrow that would seek to overturn a Maryland Court of Appeals ruling issued in early 2012 that said all "pit bulls" are inherently dangerous. Maryland residents are encouraged to contact the members of the House Judiciary Committee and ask them to support House Bill 78. An […]

The Maryland State Legislature is considering two identical measures as early as this week that would seek to overturn a Maryland Court of Appeals ruling issued in early 2012 that said all "pit bulls" are inherently dangerous. Maryland residents are encouraged to contact the members of Committees and ask them to support House Bill 78 […]

House Bill 82, which could be detrimental to the rights of responsible animal owners, has passed the Pennsylvania and is pending in the Senate Judiciary Committee. This measure could force owners to relinquish their animals when they are accused of cruelty, regardless of whether the charges are ultimately dismissed. Read AKC's previous Legislative Alert for […]

The Wyoming Senate is considering a measure that could potentially force owners to relinquish their animals when they are accused of cruelty - even if they are later found not guilty or charges are dismissed. Senate File 137 has already passed committee and is pending action on the Senate floor. Wyoming has a very short […]

The Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners (MassFed) has learned that State Senator Michael Rush has filed Senate Docket 1247 in the Massachusetts Senate. The proposal would allow cities and towns to enact breed-specific legislation. The American Kennel Club (AKC) joins with the Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners […]

In the very near future, the Pennsylvania House is expected to consider House Bill 82 - a bill that would be detrimental to the rights of animal owners. This bill, which is identical to a bill introduced in the General Assembly in 2012, could force owners to relinquish their animals when they are accused of […]