Legislative Alerts

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. […]

Continued action is needed on extremely overreaching and punitive dog breeder bills in Florida. Senate Bill 1492 and House Bill 1581 would define any unsterilized female dog over the age of six months as a “breeding female” and would require her owner to register with the state as a “breeder,” pay significant fees, and be […]

On Tuesday, March 14, a bill that seeks to clarify existing law concerning nonprofit corporations’ ability to bring legal action against cases of animal cruelty passed unanimously out of the Assembly Judiciary Committee. As passed by the committee, the bill includes an amendment addressing the AKC’s concerns that the original text could have allowed for […]

The Lafayette, Colorado, City Council has asked staff to draft an ordinance to ban all sales of dogs and cats in the city, except for those from shelters and rescues. The City of Lafayette already has a dog ownership limit which restricts breeders in city limits, but it is unclear if this proposal would prevent […]

An amended New Hampshire Senate Bill 268 is scheduled for consideration by the State Senate on Thursday, March 16, 2023. As originally filed, SB 268 would have allowed transportation of and pre-hospital treatment for police dogs injured in the line of duty if no human would need transport or ambulance services. The American Kennel Club […]

Two dog-related bills in Minnesota have been scheduled for consideration by the House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee this week.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) supports House File 1532, which seeks to prohibit insurance companies from discriminating against owners of certain breeds.  AKC opposes House File 1276, which seeks to restrict consumer choice by forcing […]

Numerous bills impacting dog owners, breeders, and trainers have been introduced this year in Illinois, and AKC Government Relations and the Illinois Federation of Dog Clubs and Owners have been working diligently to fight on your behalf. We thank all those who have taken the time to file witness slips and contact legislators.  Together we […]