Legislative Alerts

A Maryland Senate Committee is scheduled to consider a bill on February 11 that will provide further protections for owners of service animals.  Senate Bill 264 creates two new provisions that would protect service dogs and their owners.  It amends the crime of aggravated cruelty to state that a person may not intentionally inflict bodily […]

The NY Assembly has passed a ban on “debarking” and now the bill goes to the Senate Agriculture Committee. The AKC opposes A1679, which would restrict the rights of responsible dog owners to make viable, safe decisions on behalf of their pets in conjunction with their veterinarians.  Last year, the bill never received a hearing […]

A Wisconsin bill that will make it more difficult for owners to reclaim their pets continues to advance. Those who reside or participate in dog events in Wisconsin are strongly encouraged to contact the Assembly and express your concerns with AB 487 as currently written. Visit AKC’s Legislative Action Center and type your address in […]

The AKC Government Relations team has just become aware that the San Marcos City Council will consider a proposed ordinance which will define hobby breeders, limiting them to only three “breeding dogs, cats and/or rabbits.” It is unclear how a breeding dog, cat or rabbit would be identified and what would happen to resident breeders […]

The Sarasota County Commission will consider a proposed ordinance which will define hobby breeders and possibly limit the amount of animals they may own and/or the number of litter they may have in a year. The measure also attempts to restrict the sales of pets from legal, licensed and regulated pet sellers. All breeders and […]

The American Kennel Club has learned that local animal rights activists are working to pass “Puppy Mill Awareness Day” resolutions in every county in Iowa, as well as the state level to coincide with an event on February 3.  While no official language has yet been introduced on the state level, talking points and text […]

The AKC understands that the Virginia Senate Courts of Justice Committee is expected to consider a bill this week that would include consideration of two bills that allow private citizens to remove a companion animal from a vehicle if they believe that the animal is at risk of serious bodily injury or death.  This bill […]

The American Kennel Club Government Relations Department has just become aware that TODAY the Santa Paula City Council will have a first reading and vote on an ordinance (p.104) that would establish mandatory spay/neuter of dogs and cats in the city unless the owner qualifies for an exemption. The listed exemptions are vague and problematic. […]

The Virginia Courts of Justice – Civil Law Subcommittee has just scheduled a hearing on Monday, January 18, that would include consideration of two bills that allow private citizens to remove a companion animal from a vehicle if they believe that the animal is at risk of serious bodily injury or death.  All who reside […]

The Joint Municipalities and Regional Government Committee of the Massachusetts General Court is scheduled to consider 14 legislative proposals at its next meeting on Thursday, January 21, 2016.  Included in the agenda are bills pertaining to dogs.  All concerned Massachusetts dog owners are encouraged to contact the members of the Joint Municipalities and Regional Government […]