Legislative Alerts

Last month, the American Kennel Club (AKC) issued an alert regarding HB 5223, which proposed a change to the legal definition of “grooming facility” to include those doing business in “any vehicle or trailer”. AKC’s concern was that professional handlers exhibiting in the state could be required to obtain a grooming facility license because of […]

On Thursday, March 7, the Georgia House of Representatives adopted House Resolution 1368, which commends the benefits and contributions of purebred dogs and recognizes May 1, 2024, as Purebred Dog Day in the State of Georgia. Click here, then click “Current Version” to read the resolution in its entirety. HR 1368 is in addition to […]

Companion bills in Tennessee that seek to license and regulate commercial breeders are scheduled for consideration by legislative committees on Tuesday, March 12, 2024.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is concerned that House Bill 2938 and Senate Bill 2513 attempt to regulate people who simply possess dogs (rather than those who engage in true commercial […]

Earlier this week, the Virginia House of Delegates gave final approval to a bill to allow (but not require) any locality to establish an animal cruelty registry.  Previously passed by the Senate on January 29, the bill now awaits action by the Governor. Those wishing to contact Governor Youngkin regarding SB 93 may do so […]

On Tuesday, March 5, the Washington state Legislature passed House Bill 1012, a bill that would protect owners and pets during extreme weather situations. The final step in House Bill 1012’s two-year journey is a decision by Governor Jay Inslee. Washington state residents are encouraged to support House Bill 1012. Scroll down for ways to […]

Yesterday, the Indiana Governor signed House Bill 1412, which allows pet stores to continue to operate in the state so long as they and the breeders sourcing to them meet certain standards and comply with consumer protection requirements. In addition, the new law would require all rescues transporting more than 12 dogs through the state […]

On Friday March 1, 2024, the West Virginia Senate passed a simple resolution declaring May 1, 2024, as Purebred Dog Day in West Virginia. AKC encourages those who reside or participate in AKC events in West Virginia to contact sponsor Senator Mike Caputo and cosponsors Senator Robert Plymale and Senator Mike Woelfel and thank them […]

Minnesota Senate File 3458, which is scheduled to be considered by the Senate Agriculture, Broadband, and Rural Development Committee on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, seeks to remove from current law an explicit declaration that data collected by the Minnesota Board of Animal Health (Board) on commercial dog and cat breeders is private or nonpublic.  SF […]

On Thursday, March 7, 2024, the Connecticut General Assembly’s Public Safety and Security Committee will accept public testimony on a list of bills, including SB 339, which requires restitution by anyone that injures or kills a police K-9 or volunteer search and rescue dog.  Current law makes anyone intentionally injuring one of these dogs while […]

Minnesota House File 4215 seeks to fund a program that would provide grants to nonprofit organizations that train and place therapy dogs in state and local law enforcement agencies located in Minnesota to aid in treating peace officers suffering from job-related trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder and to assist in responding to calls involving persons […]