Legislative Alerts

The Ulster County (NY) Legislature is hosting a public hearing on Wednesday, September 8, to take public comment on proposed changes to the county’s tethering laws. Those who reside or participate in dog events in Ulster County are strongly encouraged to attend the hearing, and contact the Legislature to express concerns and request clarifying amendments […]

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) has begun accepting online applications for Animal Welfare Act (AWA) licensees and registrants. The online submission option allows applicants with an online fillable application with instructions and guidance, the ability to upload and attach documents to the application, an easy sign an […]

The Governor of Illinois has signed House Bill 1711, which restricts pet choice and consumer protection. The bill goes into effect in 180 days. Illinois is now the fourth state (along with California, Maryland, Maine) to ban the retail sale of dogs and cats in pet stores.  The State of Washington also passed a law […]

The California Legislature has returned from its summer break and continues to consider a variety of legislative issues which could impact animals and animal owners. Bills currently advancing include the following: HR 63: Supporting Working and Service Dogs – This resolution supported by the AKC declares September as Service Dog Awareness Month and recognizes the […]

Late last week, President Biden signed into law the Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers Veterans Therapy (PAWS for Veterans Therapy) Act.  HR 1448/S 613 is a ground-breaking measure that recognizes the importance of service dogs in assisting veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Military Sexual Trauma (MST) and other mental disorders […]

Today, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that it is dedicating $300 million in funding from the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act (i.e., federal law enacted to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, including the public health and economic impacts) to (1) conduct surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 (i.e., the virus that causes COVID-19) and other emerging […]

Last month, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) proposed reissuing a rule to require that breeder/dealers, research facilities, intermediate handlers, carriers, and other animal enterprises subject to USDA licensing establish emergency/contingency planning in the event of a natural or manmade disaster or other business disruption. Under the proposed rule, […]

On August 17, Governor Chris Sununu signed two animal bills of high importance to the American Kennel Club (AKC) and New Hampshire Dog Owners of the Granite State (NH DOGS) into law.  Our deepest appreciation is extended to Representative Howard Pearl, Chairman of the House Committee on Environment and Agriculture, as these successes would not […]

Yesterday, a resolution was introduced in the California Assembly to recognize September as Service Dog Appreciation Month to honor service and working dogs, and declare “that Californians are grateful for the service and dedication these loyal companions provide for their owners and communities.” AKC encourages California dog owners to thank the author for introducing HR […]

On August 7, the Texas Legislature entered its second Special Session of 2021. Governor Abbott’s proclamation to convene the special session identified 17 agenda items for the legislature to consider, none of which involve dog-related issues.  Nevertheless House Bill 17 and Senate Bill 78, relating to the tethering of dogs, have been filed. Both HB […]