Legislative Alerts

Yesterday, February 3, 2022, after making minor technical changes, the Massachusetts House Ways and Means Committee advanced SB 2573, Nero’s Law, to the full House, which then approved the bill.  The bill allows emergency care and transportation for a police dog injured in the line of duty, while ensuring ambulance use remains a priority for […]

The Rhode Island House Health and Human Services Committee has scheduled a virtual public hearing for Thursday, February 3, 2022, on multiple bills, including, H. 7021, which would allow emergency care and transportation for a police dog injured in the line of duty.  Committee details are here. Police K9s work to assist law enforcement in […]

The Virginia House Agriculture, Conservation, and Natural Resources Committee’s Agriculture Subcommittee is scheduled to consider a bill at its 4:00pm meeting tomorrow, February 2, 2022 that will increase the level of proof required before a person can get a warrant for suspected animal cruelty. Those wishing to express support may do so by noon tomorrow […]

On Thursday, February 3, the Committee on Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business is hosting a work session on LD 1885, An Act to Increase Maine’s Veterinary Workforce.  The bill would address the shortage of veterinarians in Maine by expanding the state’s scholarship program to practitioners of veterinary medicine in specialties related to emergency and […]

San Marcos, Texas has proposed an ordinance that will prohibit pet stores from sourcing dogs from licensed breeders. This ordinance will limit pet choice and consumer protections for San Marcos area families seeking a dog that fits their needs and lifestyle. Retail pet sales bans/ restrictions limit consumer protections and choice, while doing nothing to […]

The Missouri House Local Government Committee considered two bills on Thursday, January 27, that would prohibit local municipalities from enacting breed-specific laws in the state. During the hearing several members of the committee expressed concerns about prohibiting breed-specific laws. It is important for clubs and those who participate in dog events in Missouri to contact […]

At its Wednesday, January 26, 2022 meeting, the Virginia House Agriculture, Conservation, and Natural Resources Committee’s Agriculture Subcommittee took action on two bills that had the potential to impact some dog owners.  See previous alert.   The committee action was as follows: House Bill 467 – This bill would amend the Code of Virginia by […]

This week, two New Hampshire House Committees voted down HB 1308 and HB 1310, bills negatively impacting hunting dogs that the American Kennel Club (AKC) actively opposed.  The near unanimous rejection of these bills sends a strong message of continued support for training hunting dogs, hosting field trials, and engaging in canine sporting activities in […]

Bills impacting animal ownership, basic animal care, and service animals will be considered in Illinois on Tuesday, February 1. Those who live or participate in events in Illinois are strongly encouraged to contact the House Judiciary-Criminal Committee using the information below, and also to create witness slips prior to the hearing by clicking on this […]

The Virginia Senate Agriculture, Conservation, and Natural Resources Committee’s (ACNR) Companion Animal Subcommittee is scheduled to consider a bill at its 9:00am meeting tomorrow (Thursday, January 27, 2022) that would prohibit a pet shop from selling a dog or cat unless it has first been spayed or neutered. Senate Bill 89 would amend existing Code […]