Legislative Alerts

A bill has been introduced in Michigan that could have a negative impact on many Michigan residents who own, breed, and train dogs. Senate Bill 395 has been assigned to the Senate Agriculture Committee, and the chairman has been a strong supporter of responsible dog owners, breeders, and sportsmen.  Concerned Michigan dog owners are encouraged […]

On Tuesday, May 11, an Illinois House Committee will consider Senate Bill 153, which would provide an animal a court advocate in cases involving the health, safety, or an injury of a dog or cat. SB 153 is similar to bills introduced in other states this year, and is part of an effort to alter […]

Yesterday, the New York Senate passed a bill that would limit pet choice and restrict pet stores to only showcasing dogs sourced from rescues that are not affiliated with breeders. Now, both Senate Bill 1130 and its companion, Assembly Bill 4283, are pending in the Assembly Codes Committee, where they could be considered at any […]

Today during its work session, the Maine Joint Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife members considered testimony on LD 1265. The American Kennel Club (AKC) had issued an alert and testified expressing opposition to the bill, as introduced.  Although the title of the bill states it is intended to control the hunting of coyotes, the […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) is proud to continue strongly supporting Texas House Bill 1677, which seeks to recognize and honor police dogs and other police animals killed in the line of duty by directing the State Preservation Board to establish a Texas Police Service Animals Memorial Monument on the grounds of the Texas Capitol. […]

Yesterday, the Vermont Senate favorably voted passage of amended House Bill 421. The bill would (1) narrow the list of individuals authorized as “humane officers” who investigate cases of animal cruelty and (2) mandate the completion of trainings approved by the Animal Cruelty Investigation Advisory Board (“Board”).  As noted in this prior alert, the American […]

The Governor of Colorado has signed into law new regulations for pet stores that will allow them to continue to operate in the state. As introduced, this bill contained false claims about breeders and inaccurate information that pets from rescues are better for public safety as they are not imported from out of state.  Further, […]

Last week, Assembly Bill 702, which would have regulated all breeders in the state, was tabled for the year.  It cannot be considered before January 2022. Once again, we thank all the clubs and breeders who partnered with the AKC to reach out to the author and Assembly Business and Professions Committee members to communicate […]

AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) encourages Rhode Island residents to take action as soon as possible on S. 534 and S. 601, which seek to create court-appointed legal advocates for animals; and S.319, which attempts to amend the law regarding animals confined in motor vehicles.  These bills will be considered by the Senate Judiciary Committee […]

On Monday, May 3, starting at 10am, the Maine Joint Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife will hear testimony on LD 1265.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is concerned that, although the title of the bill states it is intended to control the hunting of coyotes, the bill, as introduced, could impact all hunting dogs.  […]