Legislative Alerts

As Washington state’s legislative session nears its finish line, House Bill 1234 sits before the Senate Rules Committee; having already passed the House of Representatives.  This bill expands the reasons allowed for seizing an owner’s animals in suspected cruelty cases and doesn’t guarantee their return in the event the accused is found innocent. Washington state […]

The 2023 New Mexico legislative session recently ended, and a bill that would have prohibited some humane tethering of dogs did not pass. American Kennel Club Government Relations (AKC GR) thanks AKC club members, dog owners, sportsmen, and every individual who contacted lawmakers this session regarding legislation impacting their dogs. Bill Opposed by AKC: SB […]

We are reaching out to you because your representative in the U.S. Congress sponsored the Puppy Protection Act last year. This bill to restrict dog breeding has been re-introduced in Congress again this year. Your action is urgently needed to contact your member of Congress and respectfully ask them to not sponsor or support the […]

The 2023 Kentucky legislative session ended with positive results for dogs, working K9s, and dog owners. The American Kennel Club Government Relations team (AKC GR) thanks AKC club members, dog owners, sportsmen, and every individual who contacted lawmakers about legislation that affects the dogs we love.  Bills Opposed by AKC GR: HB 321 attempted to problematically […]

On Friday, at the last meeting of the Connecticut General Assembly Joint Committee on the Judiciary, the committee held back on two bills impacting animal welfare. SB 1060, would amend current law that allows the court to appoint lawyers or law students to represent dogs and cats in proceedings concerning their welfare or custody by […]

Arbitrary federal legislation to restrict the activities of dogs breeders has been re-introduced in Congress.  Though labeled as commercial breeding regulations, the one-size-fits-all requirements can also apply to small hobby breeders.  Your action is urgently needed to stop the animal-rights supported Puppy Protection Act (H.R. 1624) and to protect the rights of responsible dog breeders […]

This week, Delaware legislative committees are considering bills regarding animal cruelty reporting and naming the rescue dog as the official state dog. In addition, while the hearing has not been rescheduled, legislators are still deliberating a bill that would regulate dog barking statewide.  Below are the latest updates, along with information on how to comment: […]

At its upcoming hearing on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, from 1PM – 5PM, the Massachusetts Joint Judiciary Committee will consider multiple dog-related bills .  The American Kennel Club (AKC) supports two, requests amendments to four, and opposes three of the proposals.   The full agenda with links to bill text can be viewed here. AKC encourages […]

A bill that tramples the rights of animal owners in South Carolina continues to advance. Under House Bill 3682 and Senate Bill 456, an innocent owner could have their animals confiscated based solely on an accusation, and would permanently forfeit ownership of the animals if unable to pay in advance for all costs of seizing […]

On Friday, March 31, a Washington State Senate committee will consider a bill that would protect owners and pets by providing emergency shelter accommodations during extreme weather situations. The bill has already passed the House of Representatives and is nearing the finish line, but your support is needed. Washington state residents are encouraged to support […]