Legislative Alerts

The California legislative session has begun, and AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) is tracking several bills of interest to dog owners.  We also are closely watching for any amendments or other actions, as animal activists have made public comments indicating their desire to regulate breeders. Be sure to be checking the AKC Legislative Action Center […]

On Monday, February 26, a bill that would protect owners and pets during extreme weather situations cleared another hurdle after being voted out of the state Senate Ways and Means Committee. As the bill has already passed the House of Representatives, the last remaining action in the Legislature is a vote by the whole state […]

On Friday, the Utah House Business and Labor Committee passed a bill regulating breeders that contains many amendments requested by the AKC in the 2023 session.  House Bill 478 will soon be considered by the full House of Representatives. Those who wish to comment on HB 478 are encouraged to contact their State Representative.  Visit […]

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has proposed new rules applying to field trials on its properties.  If adopted, changes include: Starting January 1, 2025, the costs for permits for pointing, retrieving, and flushing breed field trials would increase, from $70 to $100 per day. Starting January 1, 2025, the costs for permits for […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) and the New Hampshire Dogs Owners of the Granite State (NH DOGS) have been notified by the House Environment and Agriculture Committee that the public hearing on House Bill 1102 will take place on March 5, 2024, at 1PM. AKC clubs and NH DOGS are collaborating in strong opposition to […]

New Bill Information:  HB 1875/SB 1767, as introduced, seek to expand the definition of "racketeering activity" to include committing, conspiring to commit, aiding, attempting to aid, soliciting, coercing, facilitating, or intimidating another person to commit the offense of animal fighting.  SB 1767 is on the calendar of the Senate Judiciary Committee. AKC Government Relations (AKC […]

Two bills of interest to Kentucky dog owners are advancing in the Kentucky legislature. While the American Kennel Club (AKC) continues to monitor positive developments with House bill 258, we urge Kentucky dog owners to express support of an important amendment to Senate Bill 157. House Bill 258 is an animal cruelty bill that seeks […]

On Thursday, February 29, 2024, the Maryland Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee will hold a hearing on a bill seeks to remove the cap on compensatory damages for which a person who tortiously causes an injury to or death of a pet is liable. Those who wish may comment on this bill using the information below. […]

The Connecticut Joint Environment Committee’s public hearing agenda for Wednesday, February 28, 2024, includes HB 5223; which would, as part of a handful of provisions under the oversight of the Department of Agriculture, amend the legal definition of “grooming facility” to include those doing business in “any vehicle or trailer”.  As a result, professional handlers […]

Yesterday, the Indiana House of Representatives gave final approval to a bill that would allow pet stores to continue to sell dogs in Indiana with specific guidelines regarding the care of animals and also require rescues to register with the state. The bill will soon go to the Governor.  Those who wish to contact Governor […]