Legislative Alerts

On Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at 5:00pm, the Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Council Public Safety Committee will meet via videoconference to consider a proposed animal ordinance that, among other provisions, seeks to: Define “retail pet store” as a commercial establishment that sells or offers for sale animals on its premises at retail and notwithstanding what type […]

On Thursday, September 14, California’s 2023 legislative session came to end. Below are two related bills supported by AKC that unanimously passed the Legislature and will enable Californians with pets to access emergency, domestic violence, and homeless shelters across the state. Both bills await action from Gov. Newsom by October 14. Please register your support […]

Despite strong objections by residents and the current lack of subsidized spay/neuter services, an overreaching mandatory spay/neuter law enacted by the Gadsden City Council in July 2023 remains on the books. This law continues to criminalize many responsible dog owners in the community. An alternate proposed law that would replace the spay/neuter law is expected […]

AKC continues to track radical animal rights activists in their push to force a ballot initiative on Oregon voters for next November’s general election. Summary: To recap, IP 3, or “The Abuse, Neglect, and Assault Exemption Modification and Improvement Act” would have a devasting impact on everyday life for Oregonians, including: Ban all hunting and […]

The California Legislature is considering two bills impacting dog owners as the session nears its end. To see the complete list visit, the AKC legislative tracker in the AKC Legislative Action Center at www.akcgr.org.  AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) will continue to provide updates and alerts on these and other bills that could impact you. […]

As noted in a July alert, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has proposed new rules to address the public health risks of dog-maintained rabies virus variant (DMRVV) associated with the importation of dogs from overseas. The CDC’s public comment period closes Friday, September 8, 2023.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) supports […]

Animal Activists are pushing federal breeder restrictions that could require small hobby breeders to place their dogs in industrial, commercial-style kennels and impose arbitrary, one-size-fits-all requirements that could undermine proper care of dogs. Members of Congress are currently in their local, “home” districts. They are hearing from many anti-breeder activists who want the so-called Puppy […]

A reminder from the American Kennel Club Government Relations Team:  A state sales tax holiday that is in effect through September 8, 2023, could be helpful for Florida dog owners affected by Hurricane Idalia and residents who wish to prepare for future weather events.  Among the items subject to the sales tax abatement are purchases […]

The next meeting of Texas’ Licensed Breeders Advisory Committee is scheduled for Friday, September 1, 2023, at 10AM.  The meeting will be held via video conference and will be broadcast live on the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation’s YouTube channel.  This meeting is a key part of the rulemaking process in response to the recent passage of […]

Starting September 1, 2023, Texas kennel facility operators (those who are providing boarding services for breeding, sheltering, training, hunting, “or similar purposes” for more than three dogs for compensation) will be required to provide written notice to dog and cat owners if their pet will be left unattended and the facility does not have a […]