Legislative Alerts

May 29, 2015 The New York Senate Agriculture Committee is considering a bill that would amend the current laws to help identify the owners of lost dogs.  Under Senate Bill 1812, which is supported by the AKC, a lost dog must be checked for all forms of identification, including tags, microchips, tattoos or licenses within […]

Ask NY Committee to Support Allowing Service/Therapy Dogs to Accompany Domestic Violence Victims at Shelters May 26, 2015 The New York Senate Social Services Committee is considering a bill on Thursday, May 28, that would allow victims of domestic violence to bring their service or therapy dogs with them if they need to go to […]

Wednesday, May 27, 2015 Louisiana House Bill 710 is scheduled to be heard by the House Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development Committee on Thursday, May 28.  The bill seeks to require certain dog breeders to register annually with their parish and to submit to annual inspections of their facilities by local officials.  The AKC […]

May 27, 2015 Thanks to your calls and e-mails, and the work of the Illinois Federation of Dog Clubs and Owners (IFDCO), House Bill 4029, as amended, has passed the Senate unanimously. Now, the bill goes back to the House for final approval before going to the governor.  Illinois residents are asked to call your […]

May 22, 2015 The New York Senate Transportation Committee is considering a bill on Thursday, May 28 that would allow companion animals on commuter transportation when a state of emergency has been declared and an area is being evacuated. This bill, sponsored by Sen. Andrew Lanza of Staten Island, is very similar to Senate Bill […]

New York Alert: Bill Mandating Non-Economic Damages to be Considered by Committee on Thursday, May 28 – Express Opposition Now! Friday, May 22, 2015 A bill to be considered by the New York State Assembly Judiciary Committee on Thursday, May 28, seeks to mandate non-economic damages (i.e., those damages that cannot be readily assigned an […]

May 22, 2015 A bill is advancing in the Illinois Senate that would create new requirements for shelters that will help streamline the process to get lost animals home more quickly.  House Bill 4029 could be considered by the Senate as early as Tuesday, May 26,  Illinois residents are strongly encouraged to contact their State […]

NY Bill Would  Allow Dogs in Outdoor Dining Areas May 18, 2015 The New York State Senate has approved a bill that would allow dogs in “food service establishments”, as long as certain requirements are met.  The AKC supports this bill, which would allow responsible dog owners more opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities and socialization […]

May 18, 2015 The NY Assembly Agriculture Committee is considering a bill tomorrow (Tuesday, May 19) that would clarify current law regarding minimum standards for dogs kept in outdoor shelters.  Current law already provides minimum requirements for dogs kept outdoors in inclement weather and extreme temperatures.  Assembly Bill 7033 contains reasonable clarifications to these requirements […]

May 12, 2015 A bill is advancing in the Pennsylvania Senate that would amend the state’s cruelty laws to regulate tethering and sheltering for dogs kept outdoors. The AKC strongly believes that no dog should ever be kept in a situation that endangers its health, wellbeing, or safety.  Senate Bill 373, however, could directly impact […]