Legislative Alerts

On Wednesday, February 22, 2022, the South Carolina Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee is scheduled to take action on a very problematic bill that would trample the due process rights of animal owners. Senate Bill 456 addresses disposition of animals seized due to alleged cruelty or neglect. As the bill is currently constructed, a […]

The American Kennel Club welcomes the introduction of the Healthy Dog Importation Act of 2023  in the United States Senate. AKC is grateful for the continuing and bipartisan leadership of Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Tina Smith (D-Minn.) as lead sponsors of the bill and Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga), Roger Marshall (R-Kan) and Kirsten Gillibrand […]

A bill scheduled for consideration on Wednesday, February 22, would allow for a person to face forfeiture of their animals for virtually any violation of state law regarding the care of animals, even without a conviction. Illinois residents are strongly encouraged to take the actions listed below prior to Wednesday’s hearing to express your concerns […]

On Tuesday (February 21), an Illinois committee is considering a bill that would prohibit homeowner’s and renter’s insurance providers from refusing or cancelling coverage or increasing premiums based solely on the breed of dog owned by the policy holder. All responsible dog owners and breeders in Illinois are encouraged to contact the House Insurance Committee […]

The Utah House Labor and Business Committee is scheduled to consider an amended version of the bill to regulate breeders at a hearing tomorrow, February 16. While some provisions such as breeder permits are expected to be removed, other concerns remain that would impact those who breed and raise dogs in their homes. Hobbyists and […]

Two dog-related bills of concern are scheduled to be considered by the Hawaii House Agriculture Committee on Wednesday, February 15, 2023. House Bill 849 seeks to limit consumer choice by requiring pet stores to sell dogs obtained only from animal control or a shelter/rescue. House Bill 1513 seeks to limit civil and criminal liability for […]

Yesterday, the American Kennel Club (AKC) reported that two bills are scheduled for consideration in the Minnesota House of Representatives that seek to protect the rights of tenants who own dogs.  Now, two Senate companion bills have also been scheduled for committee consideration later this week: Senate File 371 seeks to prohibit certain housing developments […]

Yesterday, the Indiana Senate Agriculture Committee passed a bill that establishes strong consumer protection laws for pet stores.  As introduced, this bill also contained new, troubling definitions of “hobby breeder” and “casual breeder”.  However, these definitions were removed by the committee. AKC thanks the Indiana Purebred Dog Alliance and local clubs and breeders who contacted […]

The American Kennel Club has learned that New Jersey Senate Bill 1803, which seeks to prohibit declawing procedures from being performed on cats and other animals unless deemed necessary for a therapeutic purpose by a licensed veterinarian, has been moved to the Senate Economic Growth Committee.  Please see updated committee contact information below. The American […]

AKC continues to monitor several bills impacting dog owners in Washington state. Below are the latest updates, along with contact information if you wish to comment on any of these measures. AKC GR will continue to provide individual updates and alerts when necessary.  Bills in Washington state Legislature: House Bill 1012 – Addressing the response […]