Twenty-six state legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country:
California – SB 221 expands the definition of stalking to include threats against a person’s animals. This would bring California into alignment with federal law. The bill has advanced out of the Senate Public Safety Committee and is before the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration. AKC supports this proposal.
California – AB 506 expands consumer protection rights for pet buyers in the state. AKC has worked extensively on the bill with stakeholders to ensure the rights of all parties to a transaction for the sale of a pet are equitable. As currently written, all sellers, including breeders and rescues, must provide certain information about the dog’s background and health history at the time of sale. The bill has advanced out of the Assembly Business and Professions Committee and is now before the Assembly Appropriations Committee for consideration. AKC supports the bill as currently written.
California – AB 519 prohibits brokers from selling or facilitating the sale of dogs, cats, or rabbits, defining brokers as those who profit from such transactions (with exceptions for service and police dogs). The bill has advanced out of the state Assembly and is now before the state Senate for consideration. AKC is monitoring the proposal.
California – SB 312 mandates health certificates for dogs imported for resale, shifts submission to the state Department of Food and Agriculture, and requires public access to these records, while redacting specific identifying information from immediate public access. The bill has advanced out of the Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development and has been referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee. AKC is working with stakeholders to ensure privacy rights are respected and will continue to monitor the bill.
California – AB 631 requires California animal shelters to publicly post detailed intake and outcome data online, updated quarterly and accessible for five years. The bill has advanced out of the state Assembly and been transmitted to the state Senate. AKC supports this bill.
California – AB 400 mandates that by January 1, 2027, all California law enforcement agencies with canine units must adopt policies compliant with the latest POST standards. The bill has advanced out of the Assembly Public Safety Committee and been referred to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. AKC supports this proposal.
California – AB 1482 puts new requirements on animal shelters and lowers the threshold for regulation for dog breeders from (currently) transferring 3 litters or 20 dogs to two litters or 10 dogs transferred. The bill has been advanced out of the Assembly Business and Professions Committee and is before the Assembly Appropriations Committee for consideration. AKC opposes this bill.
California – AB 793 revises the criteria for designating dogs as dangerous or vicious, requiring clear evidence and uniform standards across California, while prohibiting such designations if the dog was provoked or defending against an attack. The bill has advanced out of the state Assembly and been transmitted to the state Senate for consideration. AKC is monitoring this bill.
California – AB 867 as introduced restricted declawing procedures – including the removal of dewclaws—to licensed veterinarians for “therapeutic purposes” only, requiring documentation and allowing for disciplinary actions against violators. At the request of AKC, the bill was amended in the Assembly Business and Professions Committee to ensure the bill would solely apply to cat declawing and would not prevent dog dewclaw removal. The bill has advanced out of the state Assembly and has been transmitted to the state Senate. AKC is now neutral on the bill.
California – AB 478 requires California cities and counties to update emergency plans to include pet rescue procedures during evacuations, ensure public access to related information, and protect rescued pets from adoption or euthanasia for 90 days. The Bill has advanced out of the Assembly Emergency Management Committee and is before the Assembly Appropriations Committee for consideration. AKC supports the bill.
Connecticut – HB 6226 allows an impounded dog, including those deemed dangerous and seized by animal control, to be housed in a volunteer’s foster home after 90 days while pending final court disposition. AKC issued this alert and submitted opposition to the March 24 Joint Environment Committee hearing. It did not advance from committee before the deadline.
Connecticut – H.B.6277 mandates that “animal breeders” (any person who breeds dogs, cats, rabbits or guinea pigs for sale or transfer to an animal testing facility) and animal testing facilities offer dogs, cats, rabbits, or guinea pigs that are “no longer needed” and do not pose a health or safety risk to the public for adoption via animal adoption or rescue organizations. It also provides that animal breeders and testing facilities will not be held liable for any harm or defects associated with animals adopted under this provision. AKC issued this alert and submitted opposition to the March 24 Joint Environment Committee hearing. The committee advanced a substitute draft mandating instead that state higher education institutions offer these animals for adoption once research is completed so long as no health or safety risk is posed. It is on the House calendar.
Connecticut – HB 6240 was raised for consideration by the Joint Environment Committee on March 17. It would amend existing statutes concerning the sale of animals in pet stores by prohibiting the sourcing of animals from any USDA breeder with a direct or indirect violation of the Animal Welfare Act in the past seven (7) years. In addition, pet shops would annually report to the Department of Agriculture the origin of animals sourced, the number of violations and their nature. AKC issued this alert and submitted concerns to the March 24 Joint Environment Committee hearing. The committee revised the bill to look back three years for violations and voted it ought to pass as amended. It is on the House calendar.
Connecticut – HB 6218 (An Act Concerning Qualifications for Employment as an Animal Control Officer) disqualifies anyone with a history of animal cruelty from being qualified as an animal control officer. AKC issued this alert and submitted support to the March 24 Joint Environment Committee hearing. The bill did not advance before the committee deadline.
Connecticut – SB 1386 prohibits homeowners’ insurance and renters’ insurance policies from discriminating based on harboring or owning any dog of a specific breed or mixture of breeds. In addition, the state would evaluate the feasibility of establishing penalties for the intentional misrepresentation of a dog as a service animal. AKC issued this alert and submitted testimony in support for the Joint Insurance and Real Estate Committee’s public hearing on March 4. On March 11, despite opposition from the insurance industry, the Committee approved a new draft of SB 1386 that would also prohibit insurance discrimination against owners of a therapy animal based upon breed. It is on the Senate calendar.
Connecticut – HB 6964 creates a taskforce to study what provisions could be made in certain circumstances to allow emergency medical services personnel to provide emergency treatment and transportation to an injured police K-9. AKC issued this alert and submitted testimony in support for the February 18 public hearing. The committee met on March 18 and voted it favorably to the House floor and it is on the calendar for consideration.
Connecticut – HB 6832 authorizes municipalities to adopt local ordinances banning the retail sale of dogs, cats and rabbits. AKC issued an alert that the Joint Planning and Development Committee was accepting testimony February 3 and testified in opposition. On March 12, the committee voted to advance HB 6832, despite AKC’s concerns and significant testimony in opposition. The bill is on the House calendar for consideration.
Delaware – HB 131 This Act prohibits retail pet stores from selling dogs or cats. It further authorizes retail pet stores to collaborate with animal shelters and animal rescue organizations to offer space to showcase dogs or cats for adoption. Retailers will receive a civil penalty of no more than $500 for each prohibited sale. The bill was passed by the House Health & Human Development following a hearing on May 14, 2025 and is pending consideration by the full House of Representatives, but not yet scheduled for a vote.
Delaware – SB 118 This legislation will remove the sunset provision passed in 2022 that permits pet owners to pursue compensatory damages without limitations for veterinary bills incurred to care for a pet that was injured by negligence, reckless, or intentional acts of another individual or the individual’s pet. In the case of death, the owner can collect the fair market value of the pet prior to death and the reasonable and necessary cost of veterinary care. Unless otherwise extended by SB 118, the current provisions expire on October 14, 2025. The bill passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on May 14, 2025, and has yet to be scheduled for a vote by the full Senate.
Florida – SB 1830 and HB 1481 sought to impose registration and inspection requirements on any dog owner of an intact female dog more than six months of age. Similar to legislation first introduced in 2023, these bills were also part of a legislative package that created fees and appropriations. The bills also would have allowed local government entities and dog rescue organizations to develop dog breeding standards of care, including federal commercial breeder standards for breeders’ private homes. Other provisions included limits on the number of breeding females a dog breeder can have, and limits on the number of times a breeding female may be bred annually. AKC strongly opposed these bills, which did not receive committee hearings before being excluded from further consideration during the regular session’s extension. Click here for more information.
Hawaii – SB 1493 required sellers of emotional support animals and related items to provide disclaimers clarifying that these animals do not qualify as service animals, with penalties for misrepresentation. It has advanced out of the Senate but didn’t meet legislative deadlines in the state House and did not advance further this year. AKC monitored this bill.
Hawaii – SB 1209 required the Civil Rights Commission to investigate discrimination complaints against transportation network company drivers, particularly regarding service animals, and mandates penalties for violations, including fines and permit suspensions. The bill didn’t meet legislative deadlines and did not advance further this year. AKC monitored this bill.
Hawaii – SB 1022 addressed leaving pet animals in unattended vehicles under dangerous conditions, allowed officials and citizens to rescue them, and provided immunity from liability, effective July 1, 2025. The bill has advanced out of the Senate but didn’t meet legislative deadlines in the state House and did not advance further this year. AKC monitored this bill.
Hawaii – HB 699 sought to protect pet owners by limiting additional fees and deposits landlords can charge for pets. The bill advanced out of the House Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce but didn’t meet legislative deadlines in the state House and did not advance further this year. AKC supported provisions in the bill banning the discrimination against dogs solely based on breed.
Hawaii – SB 593 established regulations for commercial dog breeders in Hawaii, defining standards of care, limiting the number of dogs owned, requiring recordkeeping, and authorizing counties to license and inspect breeders, with penalties for non-compliance. The bill advanced out of the Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection with an AKC supported amendment further protecting responsible dog breeders, but didn’t meet legislative deadlines and did not advance further this year. AKC will continue to monitor similar proposals.
Kansas – Senate Bill 130 requires licensees under the Kansas Pet Animal Act to post a bond for the care of animals if they are seized by the Department of Agriculture for violations of the Act. The posted bond prevents the sale or euthanasia of the animals until a final determination is made as to whether the animals may be returned to the person following an administrative hearing. Failure to post a bond within 10 days shall result in the automatic legal transfer of the animals. The bill failed without receiving consideration this session.
Maine – LD 1771 would require a hobby kennel owner to apply for and maintain a $50 state animal care facility license; annually submit proof of a kennel inspection completed by your town’s animal control officer (ACO) or a state humane agent if the town has no ACO, between the December 31 license expiration date and January 31; pay for and acquire individual municipal dog licenses for every dog owned ($11 for each intact dog) due to the elimination of the option of receiving up to 10 kennel license tags for dogs owned under one $42 municipal kennel license; and pay violation fines of not less than $50 nor more than $200 per day. The Joint Agricultural, Conservation and Forestry Committee held a public hearing on May 6. AKC issued this alert and testified in opposition. The committee has a work session on the bill scheduled for May 13.
Maine – LD 528 would establish a system of Certified Rabies Vaccinators appointed by the Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry after training to administer rabies vaccines to animals. AKC issued this information noting a March 13 public hearing was held by the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. The committee adopted an amendment presented by the bill sponsor to also authorize licensed vet techs to administer rabies vaccine under the “indirect” supervision of a licensed veterinarian. It was voted ought to pass as amended on March 27 and has been carried over to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature for further consideration.
Massachusetts – SB 1458 and HB 2253 (An Act Relative To Updating Animal Health Inspections) require persons selling, exchanging or otherwise transferring the offspring of their personally owned animals to be licensed, inspected and regulated as a pet shop. These have been referred to the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government.
Massachusetts – HB 2319 mandates annual reporting by certain nonprofit animal placement entities on the importation of dogs and cats into Massachusetts. The report must detail the number of dogs and cats brought into Massachusetts during the previous year, including the state or country of origin for each animal, along with identification of the origination source and transporter. This reporting requirement is intended to provide better oversight and tracking of animal movements into the state, thereby supporting animal health and welfare. It has been referred to the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government.
Massachusetts – SB 1207 imposes restrictions on individuals convicted of animal abuse by prohibiting them from owning or accessing animals for a specified period. For a first offense, the prohibition lasts at least five years from the date of conviction or release from custody, whichever is later, and extends to at least fifteen years for subsequent offenses. It has been referred to the Joint Committee on Judiciary.
Massachusetts – HB 3850 establishes The Massachusetts Veterans Service Dog Program. It has been referred to the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs.
Massachusetts – SB 1206 standardizes courts’ consideration of pets in divorce and separation by allowing “joint custody”. AKC believes as property, the court ought to use the legal term “ownership” instead of “custody” which applies to children. It has been referred to the Joint Committee on Judiciary.
Massachusetts – HB 1914 imposes a temporary possession ban of animals for animal abusers. It has been referred to the Joint Committee on Judiciary.
Massachusetts – HB 337 requires veterinarians seeking license renewal to provide evidence of completing continuing education as required by the board’s regulations. For veterinarians who have temporarily retired or moved out of the state, it would allow for re-registration within 5 years by paying the lapsed license fee and submitting an affidavit.
Massachusetts – HB 3024 creates a sales tax exemption for animal medication prescribed by veterinarians. It has been referred to the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
Massachusetts – SB 1263 focuses on the protection and valuation of pets, specifically cats and dogs, including the fair monetary value of the deceased animal to its owner, compensation for the loss of comfort, protection, companionship, and other special damages such as the recovery of reasonable afterlife expenses, court costs, and attorney’s fees. It has been referred to the Joint Committee on Judiciary.
Massachusetts – HB 1938 (An Act Enhancing The Issuance Of Citations For Cruel Conditions For Animals) requires the commissioner of the Department of Agricultural Resources, in consultation with the Animal Control Officers Association of Massachusetts, Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Animal Rescue League of Boston, promulgate regulations to implement, enforce, and administer regulations for dogs and animals under MGL c. 140 § 174E (f) and (g). It has been referred to the Joint Committee on Judiciary.
Massachusetts – SB 618 bans the retail sale of dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs In pet shops eliminating consumer protections while encouraging the showcasing of animals from shelters and rescues at these locations. It has been referred to the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources.
Maryland – HB 438 and SB 581 (Known as “Buddy’s Law”) are companion bills that seek to Increase the maximum amount of compensatory damages that may be awarded to an owner of a pet from a person who tortiously causes an injury to or death of the pet while acting individually or through an animal under the person’s ownership, direction, or control from $10,000 to $25,000. The legislation was signed by the Governor on April 22, 2025 with effective date of October 1, 2025.
Maryland –HB 89/SB 52 establishes that each animal harmed is a separate offense and that a conviction for a crime relating to animals may not merge with a conviction for any other crime for sentencing purposes. While current law exempts customary and normal veterinary practices and normal actives in which the infliction of pain is incidental and unavoidable, AKC GR successfully worked to have exemptions added specifically for training. The legislation was signed by the Governor on April 22, 2025 with effective date of October 1, 2025.
Minnesota – Currently, Minnesota law classifies sensitive information about those considered commercial breeders in the state as private or nonpublic. SF 1029 would have eliminated that classification, and would have required the Board of Animal Health to post a list of commercial breeders in good standing with the state, including all business names that a licensee uses and the number of animals produced and sold in the previous year; copies of all annual reports, inspection forms, and enforcement records for the previous five years; and a list of commercial breeders whose licenses have expired or been revoked during that time, including the reasons for license revocation. AKC opposes SF 1029 due to concerns of harassment and efforts to interrupt business by anti-breeding activists and the facilitation of increases in pet theft. The bill failed to meet a deadline for further consideration. Click here for more information.
Montana – S.B. 300 provides protections for service animals and handlers. The bill has advanced out of the state Legislature and signed by the governor. AKC supports this law.
Montana – S.B. 149 revises Montana laws on emotional support animals, detailing documentation requirements for tenants and landlords, and clarifying definitions and responsibilities without introducing new funding or deadlines. The bill has advanced out of the state Legislature and signed by the governor. AKC will monitor its implementation.
Nevada – S.B. 166 prohibits insurance discrimination based on dog breeds for multi-family dwellings and requires supportive housing grant recipients to allow tenants to keep pets, while also mandating annual reporting on the supportive housing program. The bill has advanced out of the state Senate and is before the Assembly Commerce and Labor Committee for consideration. AKC supports this bill.
Nevada – A.B. 381 strengthens protections for animals by expanding what constitutes animal cruelty to include acts by people who allow, permit or approve of willful and malicious animal torture or cruelty. The bill has advanced out of the Assembly and awaits further action in the state Senate. AKC supports this bill.
Nevada – A.B. 487 prohibits retail pet stores in Nevada from selling or transferring ownership of dogs and cats. After working with stakeholders, the bill was amended to ensure that responsible pet sellers would not be prohibited from every day, commonsense practices. It has advanced out of the state Assembly and has passed the Senate Natural Resources Committee. The bill was ultimately held in the Senate. AKC opposed this bill limiting pet choice and consumer protection in the state.
Nevada – A.B. 447, drafted in conjunction with AKC, provides partial property tax abatements for residential rental property owners who do not impose additional fees or restrictions on companion animals (including any restrictions on breed or size), with a total annual cap of $10 million for such abatements. The bill missed legislative deadlines and will not advance this year. AKC looks forward to supporting similar legislation in the future.
New Hampshire – HB 616 would, among many provisions, (1) ensure a person charged with animal cruelty is aware of their right to hire a licensed veterinarian of their choice to examine the animals; (2) require proof that proper care and facilities can be provided for adults and offspring by the confiscating party; and (3) prohibit anyone initiating an animal welfare complaint from participating in or being present during any investigation into that complaint. AKC issued this alert in support and testified at the House Environment and Agriculture Committee hearing. The committee held multiple meetings and re-drafted the bill based upon testimony received. Amended HB 616 was voted ought to pass on March 18 and then passed by the House. On April 22, the amended bill was heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee. AKC issued this alert and testified in support. The committee is working on additional changes.
New Hampshire – HB 250 enables local governing bodies to regulate the muzzling of dogs. AKC expressed concern at the House Environment and Agriculture Committee’s March 5 hearing that breeds considered dangerous could be discriminated against by broad ordinance adoption and encouraged the committee to amend the bill by offering municipalities with ordinance tools for identifying dangerous dogs and methods to restrain and remediate them while ensuring public safety. The committee adopted an amendment that narrows the municipal authority to adopt muzzle ordinances for vicious dogs and voted the bill ought to pass as amended on March 18 and then it passed the House. It had an April 8 hearing before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and passed the Senate on May 1 with an amendment making a minor increase in fines.
New Hampshire – HB 153 requires that two or more law enforcement officers in each county receive training regarding animal cruelty. The House Environment and Agriculture Committee heard testimony January 21 that law enforcement needs additional training on animal cruelty laws and investigations. A subcommittee met February 14 and presented an amendment to the full committee that would establish a committee to study adding a statewide resource to assist with the investigation, training, prosecution, and prompt response of animal cruelty. It was adopted and the amended bill voted ought to pass. On March 6, the House waived a Finance Committee referral and the Senate referred it to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. AKC submitted testimony in support at a hearing on March 18, and the committee voted unanimously it ought to pass. The Senate voted it to third reading on March 27 and then enrolled on April 30.
New Jersey – A.4051 seeks to prohibit the sale of cats, dogs, and rabbits by pet shops and would add the definition of pet dealer (any person engaged in the ordinary course of business in the sale of cats or dogs to the public for profit OR any person who sells or offers for sale more than five cats or dogs in one year) found in another section of NJ statute. Additionally, the bill seeks to completely repeal New Jersey’s Pet Purchase Protection Act, which allows for consumer restitution if an animal they purchase becomes seriously ill or dies within 14 days after purchase and a veterinarian certifies that the animal as unfit for purchase. A 4051 had a hearing in the Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee for the purpose of issuing a substitute with minor changes that was approved on December 16, 2024, but not voted out of the Committee. After a recent hearing was canceled, the bill awaits reassignment to a different committee. AKC GR continues to stay in communication with the committee chair and has worked with allied organizations in opposing the bill and its companion bill, S.2511.
New Jersey – S.3277 requires transfer of certain excess animal control funds to prosecutors, municipalities, police departments, and Police Training Commission for enforcement of animal cruelty laws and training humane law enforcement officers. This bill was reported from the Senate Economic Growth Committee on October 10, 2024, and has been referred to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee where it remains.
New Jersey – A.5173 is proposed legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Bill Spearman, Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee chair, which establishes a Responsible Animal Breeding Working Group within Department of Agriculture to study the sourcing of dogs. In the proposed legislation, a representative of AKC is included in the working group as well as the New Jersey Federation of Dog Clubs. The bill was introduced on January 14 and referred to the Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture. No hearing date has been set for the bill.
New Jersey – S.3814 seeks to establish a “Dog Training Licensing Board”, to determine proper training methods for the state, require state licensing for all trainers, and ban any training that could cause distress. Concerns with the bill is that, as written, it would include not just professional training facilities, but CGC, handling, agility, and basic obedience classes that are often offered by experts in clubs on a part-time basis. Further, it would develop one training philosophy for the state by mandating one training philosophy that doesn’t allow for flexibility in training practices. AKC GR, along with several dog trainers and club members, provided testimony at hearing on the bill before the Senate Economic Growth Committee on February 10. As a result of the testimony, it was announced at the conclusion of the hearing that the sponsor has decided to put a hold on the bill. AKC GR continues to monitor the bill.
Oklahoma – House Bill 1953 mandates no-notice annual inspections for licensed professional breeders and animal shelter facilities, which must occur between 7:00 A.M. and 7:00 P.M., Monday through Friday. The bill failed without receiving consideration after missing a key deadline.
Oregon – HB 2478 required the Oregon State Department of Agriculture to study animal cruelty and report findings to the legislature by September 15, 2026, with the requirement expiring on January 2, 2027. The bill missed legislative deadlines and will not advance this year.
Oregon – SB 328 prohibited animal shelters in Oregon from euthanizing dogs and cats due to space constraints, except in cases of terminal illness or severe injury, and requires annual reporting on animal intake and destruction, with oversight by the State Department of Agriculture. The bill missed legislative deadlines and will not advance this year.
Oregon – S.J.R.13 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish a right for Oregon residents to fish, hunt, and gather wild foods, subject to conservation laws, and will be decided by voters in the next general election. The proposal is before the Rules Committee for consideration. AKC supports the intent of this proposed amendment.
Oregon – SB 1076 addresses fees and licensing structure for animal rescues and also seeks to establish licensing rules for pet breeding (including dogs) through the Department of Agriculture. The bill is before the Joint Ways and Means Committee for consideration. AKC opposes this bill, which could regulate hobbyists as commercial entities.
Pennsylvania – HB 693 is legislation entitled “All Dogs Equal” which would require all kennels licensed by the state to meet the same standards and requirements for the housing, care and well-being of the dogs maintained at their facilities as are presently in place for commercial kennels. Currently, the various other types and classes of kennels licensed in PA (boarding kennels, pet shop-kennels, rescue network kennels, etc.) follow less stringent rules and regulation regarding facilities and other protections required by commercial kennels. The bill was referred to the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, and has not been scheduled for a hearing.
Rhode Island – SB 550 would update the penalties for violations relating to animals and animal husbandry; establish an animal care taskforce comprised of animal control officers and animal shelters to meet quarterly for reviewing the laws and making recommendations on legislation; and add a provision criminalizing a “dog breeder” who intentionally overfeeds a dog for aesthetic reasons or to influence the physical appearance of dog to the detriment of the dog’s health and mobility. AKC issued this alert and testified in opposition at the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on April 10. It is under review by the committee.
Rhode Island – SB 551 would authorize the forfeiture of an animal, including dogs, upon an arrest, civil citation, or personally observed neglect or abandonment by an animal control officer (ACO), who could take immediate possession of the animal; provide the owner with a seizure notice within 48 hours; and quickly schedule a hearing for the permanent “rehoming” of the animal based on a preponderance of evidence instead of a full investigation. AKC issued this alert and testified in opposition at the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on April 10. It is under review by the committee.
Rhode Island – HB 5128 amends the law pertaining to cruelty to animals, by introducing stricter penalties for offenses that result in the death of an animal. The House Judiciary Committee held a public hearing on March 4 and the bill was forwarded to a study committee for review.
Rhode Island – SB 34 would, among many other provisions, remove the sales tax on pet care services. It was sent to Senate Finance. A hearing was held April 18 and the bill was held for further study on May 1.
Rhode Island – HB 5926 would allow for compensation for the loss of companionship, love, and affection provided by a pet that has been seriously injured or killed due to another person’s unlawful and intentional or negligent actions by allowing (1) pet owners to seek noneconomic damages, (2) when the injury or death occurred on the pet owner or caretaker’s property or while the pet was under their control and supervision, and (3) establishing minimum recovery amounts of $500 for serious injury and $750 for death or injury resulting in death with a maximum of $7,500 for noneconomic damages. Although pets are held in exceedingly high esteem, allowing non-economic damages in such cases will likely result in many harmful unintentional consequences for pet owners and their pets. AKC issued this alert and testified in opposition on March 4. The bill is under review by a study committee.
Rhode Island – SB 325 changes the current hobby breeder definition from “persons selling fewer than twenty (20) dogs or three (3) litters, whichever is greater, in a single calendar year,” to the sale or offering for sale of greater than two (2) litters of dogs or cats, or combination of sale of dogs and cats, in any three hundred and sixty-five (365) day period. AKC has reached out to the sponsor with concerns and issued this alert regarding the Senate Committee on Environment and Agriculture public hearing scheduled for March 19. It has been sent for further study.
Rhode Island – HB 6089 (An Act Relating To Animals And Animal Husbandry — Cruelty To Animals) increases imprisonment penalties and adds mandatory community service for violations of § 4-1-9. A hearing was held March 25 and the bill is under further review.
South Carolina – H 3034 (also known as Fargo’s, Hyco’s, Rico’s, Coba’s, Wick’s and Mikka’s Law) strengthens protections for police dogs and horses by expanding prohibited conduct such as teasing or harming the animal, increasing penalties, and requiring restitution for violations. AKC supported similar legislation introduced in a previous session. It has been assigned to the House Committee on Judiciary.
Tennessee – HB 76 / SB 433 prohibits the abandonment of an animal in a person’s custody and provides that it is not a defense to prosecution that the person abandoned the animal at or near an animal shelter, veterinary clinic, or other place of shelter if the person did not make reasonable arrangements for the care of the animal. Governor Lee signed SB 433 into law and goes into effect on July 1, 2025. Click here for more information.
Texas – House Bill 2325 would have mandated the creation of a publicly available statewide dangerous dog registry for municipalities with a population over 100,000. The bill is effectively dead after failing to meet deadlines in the Texas House of Representatives without receiving a committee hearing.
Texas – House Bill 1346, House Bill 2806, and Senate Bill 155 are identical bills that would have expanded the definition of a dangerous dog to specify that a dog owner commits an offense if, through criminal negligence, they fail to secure their dog, resulting in an unprovoked attack causing bodily injury, serious bodily injury, or death outside the owner’s property or vehicle. Bodily injury is defined as physical pain, illness, or any impairment of physical condition. HB 2806 was ultimately substituted to remove the problematic definition of bodily injury. SB 155 remains pending in the Senate Criminal Justice Committee. HB 2806 and HB 1346 are effectively dead after failing to meet a deadline for consideration in the Texas House of Representatives.
Texas – House Bill 349 limits civil liability for individuals who forcibly enter motor vehicles to rescue vulnerable individuals or domestic animals under specific conditions. These conditions include determining that the vehicle is locked or that there is no reasonable method for the individual or animal to exit without assistance, having a good faith belief that entry is necessary to prevent imminent harm, notifying law enforcement or calling 911 before entry, using only necessary force, and remaining with the rescued individual or animal until authorities arrive. However, immunity is not granted if law enforcement advises against entering the vehicle. The Texas House approved the bill by a vote of 86-50 on May 1, 2025, but it has yet to receive a hearing in the Senate State Affairs Committee.
Texas – House Bill 471 would require animal shelters and releasing agencies to maintain detailed records of the animals in their custody, including the total number of live animals categorized by species and age, the reasons for assuming custody, and the final disposition of each animal. These records must be updated monthly and retained for at least three years. Additionally, the records must be made publicly accessible, either through the entity’s website or by providing physical access for inspection and copying. The bill is effectively dead after failing to receive a hearing in the House Public Health Committee.
Texas – House Bill 410 specified if a lease agreement permits a tenant to have a pet on the premises, the landlord is authorized to collect either a one-time refundable pet deposit at the start of the lease or a monthly pet fee not exceeding $20, but not both. The bill is effectively dead after it failed to receive a hearing the House Trade, Workforce, and Economic Development Committee.
Texas – House Bill 1817 would repeal the Dog and Cat Breeder Act in its entirety. The bill has not yet been referred to a committee. The bill is effectively dead after it failed to receive a hearing in the Texas House Licensing and Administrative Procedures Committee.
Texas –House Bill 562 requires licensed dog and cat breeders to provide a bill of sale for each animal sold or exchanged. This bill of sale must include specific details such as the breeder’s name and license number, the purchaser’s name, a description of the animal, the date of the transaction, the amount paid, and a statement indicating that breeders are regulated by the Department, along with the Department’s contact information. The bill is effectively dead after it failed to receive a hearing in the Texas House Licensing and Administrative Procedures Committee.
Texas – House Bill 3777 would have mandated the sterilization of all dogs upon a second at-large dog violation and requires licensed breeders to sterilize their dogs after more than two at-large violations. The bill exempts dogs used exclusively for conformation purposes from this requirement. AKC GR, the state federation, and local club members reached out to the sponsor with concerns and suggested amendments. The bill is effectively dead after it failed to receive a hearing in the House Public Health Committee.
Texas – House Bill 3458 and Senate Bill 1652 are identical bills that prohibited the retail sale of dogs and cats in pet stores. SB 1652 was referred to the Senate Business and Commerce Committee and HB 3458 was heard in the House Culture, Recreation and Tourism Committee on April 9. HB 3458 is effectively dead after failing to receive a vote on the House floor before a key deadline. SB 1652 remains pending in the Senate Business and Commerce Committee and is not expected to advance this session.
Texas – House Bill 4777 would allow a person to receive damages for bystander damages, mental anguish, and loss of companionship caused by the death of a companion animal. The bill was heard in the House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence Committee Wednesday, April 23 and is effectively dead after if failed to meet a key deadline in the Texas House.
Texas – Senate Bill 4801 supported by AKC would authorize field trials for fur-bearing animals and squirrels, and remove the requirement that all participants must purchase a Texas hunting license. The bill passed the Senate and is pending a House Floor Vote.
Washington – HB 1149 strengthens animal cruelty laws in Washington State by refining definitions, increasing penalties, and establishing procedures for the seizure and care of animals, with specific timelines for owner response and bond requirements. The bill has advanced out of the state Legislature and signed by the governor. AKC will monitor its implementation.
Washington – HB 1046 provides civil liability immunity for individuals who forcibly enter vehicles to rescue vulnerable persons or domestic animals, under specific conditions. The bill has been signed by the governor. AKC will monitor implementation of the bill to ensure the rights of responsible dog owners are protected.