Legislative Alerts

Today, the American Kennel Club Government Relations Department (AKC GR) learned that Mullica Township, New Jersey, is scheduled to consider extensive changes to its animal ordinance at its meeting on Monday, July 26.  The proposal includes breeder licensing requirements, dog ownership limits, and restrictions on debarking.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) encourages all concerned residents […]

The 2021-2022 South Carolina legislative session and special sessions concluded with victories for dogs and dog owners. The American Kennel Club Government Relations team (AKC GR) thanks club members, sportsmen, dog owners, allied organizations, and every individual who contacted their state lawmakers about legislation that affects dogs.  Highlights from the two-year legislative session:  House Bill […]

The Wichita Animal Services Advisory Board will consider endorsing an ordinance that will prohibit pet stores from sourcing dogs from licensed breeders at a meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, July 20. This ordinance will limit pet choice and consumer protections for Wichita area families seeking a dog that fits their needs and lifestyle. Retail pet sales bans […]

At a recent County Planning Commission meeting, the Rockingham County, VA (Harrisonburg, VA) Commission tabled a proposed Dog Kennel Ordinance that could impact local hobby kennels, and it is likely that a proposal will be considered at a future meeting.  There has been no indication when the proposal may be reconsidered but the next meeting […]

The American Kennel Club Government Relations Department learned today that the Warren County animal shelter director recommended that the county should revisit spay/neuter laws. Per a news report, this was discussed last week at a meeting of the Warren County Health & Welfare Committee. The Warren County Board of Commissioners meets tonight, July 18, 2022. […]

Animal Rights activists will soon be once again circulating petitions in Oregon to put an extreme measure on the 2024 ballot that, in their own words “is the first ballot initiative in history that would criminalize the killing and breeding of animals.” Oregonians are urged to not sign this petition for Initiative Petition 3, even […]

Yesterday, the Massachusetts Senate suspended its rules and hastily approved Senate Bill 2994 (formerly Senate Bill 1322), an anti-breeder “puppies and kittens” bill that was amended late last week by the Senate Ways and Means Committee.  S. 2994 is a significant departure from its predecessor, as it would significantly alter the state’s current protections for […]

As reported in July 2021, the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) is considering amendments to the regulations that carry out the state’s Animal Welfare Act. The proposed amendments, which may be viewed here, add: (1) sanitation and safety requirements; (2) requirements for primary pens to be safely constructed, be large enough for the animals, and […]

Recently, a substitute version of Senate Bill 258 (known as Izzy the Cat’s Act) passed both chambers of the General Assembly.  It provides for the awarding of compensatory damages for injury or death of a companion animal as a result of a tortious act.  The legislation now goes to the Governor John Carney for signature. […]

As Florida’s governor signs or vetoes remaining 2022 bills, the American Kennel Club Government Relations team (AKC GR) thanks AKC club members, the hardworking members of the Florida Association of Kennel Clubs (FAKC), dog owners, sportsmen, allied organizations, and every individual who contacted their lawmakers about state legislation that affects our dogs. Here are some […]