The Illinois Legislature adjourned the spring 2026 session in the early hours Monday morning.  While the lawmakers will come back for a short session later this fall where bills may be considered, this adjournment crosses a major hurdle for bills impacting dog owners and breeders in Illinois. Thanks to a significant response from dog owners and [...]

An Illinois bill seeking in part to impose commercial standards on some home-based kennels and breeding programs has been pulled from consideration and will likely not move forward during the spring session. As mentioned in previous alerts, the “one size fits all” standards in Senate Bill 2990 are geared toward large commercial facilities and fail to [...]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) continues to monitor legislation in Illinois that would impose problematic new requirements on licensed dog breeders. House Bill 4778, which mirrors Senate Bill 2990, was scheduled for consideration by the House Agriculture and Conservation Committee on March 24, 2026. The measure would apply “one-size-fits-all” commercial-style standards to all breeders, defined under Illinois law as [...]

On Tuesday (March 24), the Illinois House Agriculture and Conservation Committee will consider a bill that would impose extensive new requirements on licensed dog breeders. This bill is identical to SB 2990 considered last week in the Senate and applies “one-size-fits-all” commercial-style standards to all breeders (Under Illinois law, a dog breeder is anyone who possesses more [...]

Today is the deadline for bills to be heard in an Illinois committee.  Thanks to the many club members and breeders who took the time to register your concerns, the three bills of primary concern to the AKC will not advance in the spring session. These bills included HB 1902 (Mandatory Genetic Testing and Sterilization), HB [...]

Next week is the deadline for House bills in Illinois to get an initial committee hearing, and there are several critical bills for dog owners still pending.  It is important for dog owners and clubs to register your opposition online today on key measures pending in two committees: House Agriculture and Conservation Committee: HB 1902 – Mandatory [...]

This past weekend, the Illinois General Assembly adjourned a very busy spring session for dog owners and trainers. We thank the Illinois Federation of Dog Clubs, and all who took the time to file witness slips and contact legislators.  Together we are making a difference for dogs in Illinois. Below are the latest updates on [...]

Numerous bills impacting dog owners, breeders, and trainers have been introduced this year in Illinois, and AKC Government Relations and the Illinois Federation of Dog Clubs and Owners have been working diligently to fight on your behalf. We thank all those who have taken the time to file witness slips and contact legislators.  Together we [...]

On Tuesday, March 7, a number of bills are scheduled for hearings in Illinois impacting dog owners and all who breed dogs.  This includes a bill establishing mandatory genetic testing and sterilization of dogs with “genetic defects”, among other issues. Illinois residents can make a valuable difference today by filling out a simple online witness slip [...]

Tomorrow (Tuesday, February 28), two Illinois House committees will consider bills related to dogs and dog ownership. Illinois residents are strongly encouraged to provide comments and submit witness slips today. Express your support for limiting breed discrimination in insurance coverage. (HB 1049) Convey your appreciation for amendments to the bill creating a “lawyers for dogs” program, while [...]

After no action for almost 10 months,  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, is again on the move. The bill passed the Senate in 2021, and was just placed on the House Calendar where it can be voted on [...]

Yesterday, the Illinois General Assembly officially sent a bill to the governor that would ban the retail sale of pets in the state. Animal rights activists are flooding the governor’s office with calls and letters of support.  Even if you have already done so, we encourage all dog owners, breed rescues, and clubs in [...]

The Illinois General Assembly has wrapped up the majority of its work for the year and remains in recess until an agreement is reached on some non-dog-related policy issues.  This has been a very active year for canine legislation in the state, and AKC worked with the Illinois Federation of Dog Clubs and Owners (IFDCO [...]

This morning, the Illinois Senate Agriculture Committee passed a bill that would limit pet stores to sourcing dogs and cats only from shelters and rescues that have no affiliation with breeders. HB 1711 would restrict pet choice and consumer protection. It also implies that breeders should not be involved in rescue efforts. There are only a [...]

The Illinois Senate Agriculture Committee is considering a bill on Thursday, May 27, that would limit pet stores to sourcing dogs and cats only from shelters and rescues that have no affiliation with breeders. We are asking local clubs, club rescues, and dog owners to take a minute TODAY and submit an online witness slip to [...]

The Illinois Senate Agriculture Committee will likely consider a bill next week that would limit pet stores to sourcing dogs and cats only from shelters and rescues that have no affiliation with breeders. House Bill 1711 is virtually identical to a bill considered and defeated earlier this year by the Senate Agriculture Committee.  However, the committee [...]

Although the Illinois session is expected to wind down over the next few weeks, two important bills that would undermine impact responsible dog ownership remain active in the state legislature. AKC and the Illinois Federation of Dog Clubs are working to advocate and communicate our position to legislators, and we need your help!  We urge [...]

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 the legal status [...]

The Illinois Legislature returned from Spring Break and immediately continued work on bills impacting dog owners and breeders in the state.  AKC and the Illinois Federation of Dog Clubs are working hard to advocate for responsible purebred dog owners. We urge dog owners, Illinois dog clubs and breeders to join us in working to protect [...]

A bill is moving in the Illinois Senate that would provide an animal a court advocate in cases involving the health, safety, or an injury of a dog or cat. Senate Bill 153 is similar to bills being introduced in other states in an effort to alter the legal status of animals and provide them with [...]