Legislative Alerts

Tomorrow, February 3, the Maryland House Judiciary Committee will be holding a hearing on House Bill 508, which provides certain liability protections when there has been exposure to the COVID-19 virus. Those AKC clubs with concerns about the ability to conduct events while under a higher potential exposure to liability actions associated with COVID-19 may […]

The Wyoming Senate continues to consider how to address the issue of animals being seized, and the payment of their care during impoundment. Both Senate Bills 24 and 25 would require those whose animals are seized on suspicion of cruelty to pay a bond to cover the costs of care while the animals are impounded. […]

As mentioned in a previous alert, the Virginia House Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources (ACNR) Agriculture Sub-Committee was considering a substitute version of HB 2109 which originally sought to expand the Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services by adding an at-large member who is expert in companion animal welfare who is employed by […]

The Missouri Agriculture Policy Committee is considering a bill on Tuesday, February 2, that would make several changes to protect dogs and the rights of dog owners when animals are seized on suspicion of neglect or abuse.  The purpose of the bill is to ensure that the accused are innocent until proven guilty, and to […]

A bill introduced in Iowa would seek to make it the 20th state to officially ban breed-specific laws and regulations. The bill would prohibit cities and counties from enacting any regulation that is specific to a breed or perceived breed.  Cities and counties may still enact laws that apply to all dogs. The AKC supports […]

On the morning of Wednesday, February 3, 2021, three animal bills will be reviewed by the New Hampshire House Committee on Environment and Agriculture.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) strongly encourages those who reside in New Hampshire to contact the committee to express support. 9am: HB 250 would increase, from 25 to 35, the number […]

Two bills are scheduled for hearings by the Senate Subcommittee on Agriculture and Natural Resources on January 27, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. If the bills are advanced by the subcommittee, they will be considered by the full Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee on Thursday,  January 28. Dog owners with comments or concerns about the bills […]

The Indiana State Senate continues to advance Senate Bill 1, which provides certain liability protections when there has been exposure to the COVID-19 virus. This new law 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. Those who participate in dog […]

New Jersey Assembly Bill 1365 seeks to prohibit the “harassing or taking” of wildlife at competitive events. Because the bill could impact clubs offering AKC-sanctioned performance events in New Jersey, including those that offer sporting, hound, earthdog, and herding events, it is imperative that AKC-affiliated clubs in New Jersey, and breeders, owners, and performance dog […]

New Jersey Assembly Bill 3231, which seeks to establish animal trunk fighting as an animal cruelty offense, is scheduled for consideration by the Assembly Agriculture Committee on Wednesday, January 27, 2021.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) supports A.3231, and encourages all concerned responsible dog owners in New Jersey to contact the members of the Agriculture […]