Legislative Alerts

Earlier this week, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed Senate Bill 981 into law.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) still believes that S.981 is actually designed to protect the business of shelters and rescues, not better protect dogs or ownership interests.  AKC believes the new law abandons interests of reasonableness, fairness, and equity for people […]

This week, animal rights activists are ramping up their efforts to urge Congress to pass laws that could undermine the proper care of dogs, and even create an environment for abuse and unnecessary euthanasia of animals. Your Member of Congress and U.S. Senators to hear from you TODAY!  Let them know you are a constituent […]

As previously reported, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has proposed a new rule to address the public health risk of dog-maintained rabies virus variant (DMRVV) associated with the importation of dogs into the United States. CDC notes that the close relationship between dogs and people means that there is a […]

Yesterday, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) published its 2022 Impact Report.  The report provides an overview of APHIS’ activities and successes. APHIS oversees over 13,000 breeders, dealers, and exhibitors; research facilities, transporters, and dog importers who are subject to the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA).  2022 […]

The first session of the Delaware General Assembly has closed for the year. House Bill 124 which seeks to regulate barking dogs remained in the House Appropriations Committee.  Additionally, the General Assembly approved House Bill 156 which establishes the comprehensive framework for the regulation of pet insurance transactions in Delaware. House Bill 124 would prohibit […]

On Monday, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will announce an extension of the temporary suspension of dog imports from countries classified as high risk for rabies.  The extension will not make changes to the current rules and will remain in effect through July 31, 2024. The CDC believes the suspension […]

Yesterday, Governor John Carney signed Senate Bill 71.  This bill would provide immunity to people who, in good faith, report suspected animal cruelty from any liability, civil or criminal, that might otherwise exist as a result of making the report. Additionally, the bill would also require law-enforcement agencies, the Department of Services for Children, Youth […]

Both the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Connecticut Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners (CFDRDO) are pleased that the Connecticut legislature has adjourned for 2023 without passing legislation that would negatively impact Connecticut dog owners, breeders, and exhibitors. We are grateful to the legislators who ensured bills of concern only advanced after […]

The New York legislature has adjourned for 2023 without passing legislation that would negatively impact New York dog owners, breeders, and exhibitors. Bills do carry over to next year, but we are grateful to the legislators who ensured bills of concern did not advance in 2023.  AKC Government Relations met many times with New York […]

Summary: The end of the chaotic Oregon legislative session saw the passage of House Bill 2915. This proposed bill would end the sale of all dogs and cats at pet stores with a five-year exemption for existing pet stores, ending on January 1, 2028. After that date, all pet stores in Oregon will be banned […]