Legislative Alerts

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking public comment on proposed changes to the regulations for hunting contests. In Washington, permits are issued to non-profit organizations to hold a hunting contest, whereby a monetary prize of up to $2,000 may be offered to the contest participant who harvests the most animals.  WDFW […]

Increasing demand for pets and restrictive breeder laws mean that U.S. breeders cannot meet the demand for dogs in the U.S. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates approximately one million dogs are imported into the United States annually. This has resulted in increasing reported incidents of imported dogs bringing contagious diseases […]

In response to input from residents regarding a proposed animal ordinance, the Aiken County Council voted to table the measure. It could be reconsidered at a July 2020 meeting. The American Kennel Club (AKC) thanks council members for their receptiveness to the concerns of residents.  View AKC’s 6/15/20 legislative alert on this issue.     Help Ensure […]

The Iowa Legislature has passed a bill that will amend several of the state’s cruelty laws. A number of confusing and problematic provisions were removed from the bill, but some questions still remain.  House File 737 will soon be sent to the governor; those who reside or participate in dog events in Iowa are encouraged […]

The Pennsylvania Senate recently passed Senate Bill 798 which seeks to make changes to the Commonwealth’s Dangerous Dog Law by changing definitions, increasing a fee, and eliminating the need to prove vicious propensity or history of attacks in determining that a dog is a dangerous dog under the law. AKC has concerns about this measure. […]

A public hearing followed by a vote to enact a problematic new Aiken County animal ordinance is scheduled for Tuesday, June 16, 2020.  Attendance at the public hearing will be limited.  Please scroll down to view meeting and contact information. Provisions of the Proposed Ordinance Include:  Does your dog bark or do your livestock animals […]

The City of Aurora, Colorado, is seeking public input into two areas of their policy regarding dangerous dogs: The current breed ban, and a new proposed new dangerous dog law. AKC encourages people who reside in Aurora to provide input to the city on both provisions. Encourage the city on focus on promoting responsible dog […]

In 2011, the Texas Legislature passed and then-Governor Perry signed into law the Dog and Cat Breeders Act.  The law’s aim is to regulate those who (1) possesses 11 or more adult intact female animals and (2) who are engaged in the business of breeding those animals for direct or indirect sale or for exchange […]

*Originally posted on InsideSources.com on June 5, 2020 By Sheila Goffe As the COVID-19 pandemic rages, three members of Congress, who are also trained veterinarians, are working hard to head off a potential public health crisis with a proposed law to prevent importation of dogs that have contagious diseases. If passed, the Healthy Dog Importation […]

A bill is moving in the California Assembly that would make further clarifications and amendments to the law passed in 2019 regarding independent contractors. When the law was passed last year, some questions were raised by California clubs as to how it would impact show and event judges.  AKC reached out to legislative policy staff […]