Legislative Alerts

On Wednesday, March 22, 2023, the South Carolina Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee is scheduled to again vote on Senate Bill 456, a bill that would trample the due process rights of animal owners. Under this bill, an innocent owner would permanently forfeit their animals based on an accusation—including an accusation against another person—if […]

On Thursday, March 23, 2023, the Maine Committee on the Judiciary will accept public testimony on LD 679, An Act Regarding Animals Abandoned by Tenants. The bill would (1) define “abandoned animal” and “unclaimed animal;” (2) require tenants provide landlords the name and address of an individual authorized to retrieve their pet within 24 hours […]

A Kansas House committee is considering a bill on Wednesday (March 22) that would significantly broaden when an animal may be seized from an owner and potentially cause someone to lose their animals even if found innocent. HB 2437 will be heard on Wednesday, March 22 in the House Committee on Federal and State Affairs […]

A group of Michigan citizens and law enforcement, led by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, are holding a public forum tonight (Monday, March 20) at 6:00pm Eastern Time to discuss and answer questions about a potential 2024 statewide ballot measure to change animal cruelty laws in the state. This virtual forum is free and open […]

The New Jersey Assembly Agriculture and Food Safety is scheduled to consider two bills this week that raise constitutional concerns for dog owners.  Assembly Bill 2354 and Senate Bill 981 seek to establish court procedures for the seizure, care, and forfeiture of animals involved in animal cruelty violations.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) remains concerned […]

The Lafayette, Colorado, City Council is discussing a proposal tomorrow (Tuesday, March 21) that would ban the sale of all dogs in the city – including private sales. Lafayette residents and those who have provided a dog to a Lafayette resident are encouraged to do the following: 1) Attend Tuesday’s hearing and express your concerns: […]

House Bill 2238 will require anyone who owns 5 or more intact female dogs over 6 months of age to become a state licensed dog breeder – even if they never breed a litter or sell a single dog. The bill has been scheduled for a hearing on Wednesday, March 22. Sponsors have indicated their […]

On Tuesday (March 21), a North Carolina committee will consider a bill to end “pet leasing” in the state. According to the bill’s legislative findings, House Bill 226 will address a problem “on the rise” where customers enter into contractual agreements where they make monthly payments to “lease” a dog, and they do not end […]

Yesterday, two Connecticut General Assembly Joint Committees separately voted to advance bills supported by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Connecticut Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners (CFDRDO). SB 932, relative to protections for police K-9 and volunteer search and rescue dogs, was unanimously supported by members of the Public Safety and […]

The voices of Tennessee’s responsible dog owners have been heard! Three bills that would have criminalized safe and effective dog care practices did not advance in Tennessee legislative committees this week. Certain provisions in each bill could have resulted in cruelty charges against an owner and confiscation of animals absent harm—or even discomfort—to a dog. […]