Legislative Alerts

Last week, a bill was introduced in the California Assembly to regulate all who breed a dog in the state. Assembly Bill 702 can be scheduled for a committee hearing beginning March 19.  No hearing is currently scheduled; however, this is an opportunity for all who breed dogs in the state to join the AKC […]

Today, the New Jersey Senate passed S.2868, which seeks to create court-appointed legal advocates for animals.  The bill will next be considered by the General Assembly, but has not been assigned to a committee for consideration. The American Kennel Club (AKC) opposes S.2868.  We believe that the creation of court-appointed animal advocates is likely to […]

On Tuesday, February 23, an Iowa Senate subcommittee will consider a bill that seeks to protect working animals and animal events. Those who reside or participate in dog events in Iowa are encouraged to contact the subcommittee to express your support.  Scroll down for contact information. Summary: Senate Study Bill 1195 recognizes the value of […]

On Monday, February 22, a Colorado House committee will be considering a bill that restricts consumer choice and makes false claims about breeders. Colorado residents are strongly encouraged to contact the House Agriculture, Livestock and Water Committee TODAY to express concerns with House Bill 21-1102. (Scroll down for contact information) Summary This bill would place […]

Earlier this week, the Connecticut Department of Agriculture announced the finalization of rules for the operations of animal shelters and other regulated entities. The Connecticut legislature passed laws in 2011 and 2017 that required the state to oversee the state’s animal shelters and animal importers.  The new and amended rules, which were first proposed in […]

New Jersey Senate Bill 2868, which seeks to create court-appointed legal advocates for animals, has been scheduled for a vote by the New Jersey Senate on Thursday, February 18, 2021.   All New Jersey dog owners are urged to contact their elected members of both the New Jersey Senate and Assembly to respectfully request: (1) S.2868 […]

Today, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), which is responsible for enforcement of the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA), announced that it is rescinding December 2017 (updated in May 2018) guidance that described an incentive program that recognized licensees and registrants who took appropriate and timely action to […]

The Nebraska Legislature Judiciary Committee is scheduled to consider two bills next week that provide certain liability protections when there has been exposure to the COVID-19 virus. These bills may be of potential interest to some AKC-affiliated clubs with concerns about conducting their events while under a higher-than-normal exposure to liability risks. Bill Summaries: The […]

Last week, Maine Governor Janet Mills issued an Executive Order that reinstates the state’s dog licensing requirements. In March 2020, Governor Mills declared a state of emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The order temporarily suspended licensing laws in order to facilitate health and veterinary care during the public health crisis.  The order has been […]

RECAP OF THIS WEEK: For specifics on bills that were considered during the week of February 9, 2021, click here. CONCERNING AN ANIMAL RECORDS DATABASE The American Kennel Club Government Relations Department (AKC GR) and the Dog Owners of the Granite State (NH DOGS) expressed concerns to the Senate Finance Committee about the original animal […]