Six 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 state Senate and is now in the state Assembly 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 written, it includes amendments supported by AKC that requires all breeders and rescues to provide certain information regarding a dog’s background and health at the time of sale. The bill has advanced out of the state Assembly is now before the state Senate for consideration. AKC supports the bill.
California – AB 519 prohibits brokers (not breeders) 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), thereby expanding existing pet protection laws. The bill has passed the state Assembly and is before the state Senate for consideration. An amendment was added in the Senate to clarify that a person selling personally-owned dogs in limited circumstances will not be considered a broker. AKC continues working with stakeholders to ensure the rights of responsible breeders are protected and will continue to monitor the bill.
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 passed the state Senate and is now before the state Assembly for consideration. 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 has been transmitted to the state Senate for consideration. 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 state Assembly is now before the state Senate for consideration. AKC supports this proposal.
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 passed the state Assembly and is before 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 passed the state Assembly and is before the state Senate for consideration. 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 passed the state Assembly and now before the state Senate for consideration. AKC supports the bill.
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. The bill was not voted on by the full House of Representatives prior to the end of session on June 30.
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 legislature on June 30 and awaits the governor’s signature.
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; 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. AKC issued this alert and testified in opposition. At the committee work session o, several amendments were discussed and approved before the committee voted it ought to pass as amended, in a divided report. Once the adopted amendments noted here were made public, the Senate suspended its rules and immediately passed it June 2. The House made minor clarifying amendments that the Senate agreed to. Details are in this alert. It became Public Law Chapter 414 without the Governor’s signature and is effective September 24.
Massachusetts – In May, SD 2945 was filed late to address an issue resulting from passage of Ollie’s Law last session. SD 2945 would allow the keeper of any dog held in a licensed kennel to remove its dog tag in the interest of safety so long as the dog has another means of identification. The Senate has referred it to the committee on Municipalities and Regional Government.
Massachusetts – HB 1476 regarding pet friendly housing would among other provisions, prohibit housing facilities from banning dogs based on breed, size, weight, or appearance; and prevent eviction solely due to pet ownership. AKC issued this alert and submitted supportive testimony for the June 4 hearing.
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 under the state’s authority to oversee pet shops. The Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government held a public hearing on June 10. AKC issued this alert and testified in opposition.
Massachusetts – HB 2245 would create a new section requiring municipal licensure and state regulations for the transfer of dogs by commercial breeding kennels, as defined in MGL c. 140 § 136A. It was referred to the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government and a public hearing was held on June 10.
Massachusetts – HB 2342 and SB 1459 would require a hearing authority seeking to impound a dog deemed dangerous to obtain a court order of impoundment for any length of time held beyond the mandated quarantine period. In addition to confinement specifics, these bills would require the owner consult with a veterinarian, behaviorist, or trainer to develop a public safety and behavior modification plan that solely employs evidence-based positive training techniques that do not result in pain, discomfort, fear or anxiety and do not use prong or choke collars. They were referred to the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government and a public hearing was held on June 10.
Massachusetts – SB 1460 would significantly amend current law restricting how and when you are permitted to tether or confine a dog. AKC agrees that no dog ought to be tethered with a pinch or choke collar. However, AKC is opposed to Sections 1, 4 and 6 because (1) a pen or secure enclosure would be required to provide at least 100 square feet per dog; and (2) the proposed definition of “outside and unattended” would prohibit outdoor kennel use for longer than 5 hours or from 10pm to 6am. It was referred to the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government and a public hearing was held on June 10. AKC issued this alert and testified in opposition to those provisions.
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 originating 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 was referred to the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government but not included in the June 10 public hearing for animal bills. On July 7, it was discharged to the Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries.
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. This concern was shared with the Joint Committee on Judiciary for their April 22 public hearing. On June 16, the committee voted the bill favorably without changes.
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, to 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.
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 passed the Legislature and has been signed by the governor. AKC supports this bill and looks forward to its successful implementation.
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. AKC and local clubs supported this bill, which has been signed by the governor.
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 re-drafted the bill based upon testimony received. Amended HB 616 was passed by the House. The amended bill was heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee, and the AKC issued this alert and testified in support. However, the committee voted the bill ought not to pass and the Senate laid the bill on the table. On June 5, the House amended SB 302 with text from amended HB 616 and sent it to the Senate. AKC issued this alert. A conference committee met on June 17 but was unable to come to an agreement.
New Hampshire – HB 250 enables local governing bodies to regulate the muzzling of dogs. AKC expressed concern at the House Environment and Agriculture Committee 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 license fees. A conference committee negotiated this final text that exempts certain working dogs from these ordinances and it was adopted by both chambers on June 26.
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 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.
New Jersey – S.1406 would prohibit a person from performing, or causing to be performed, an onychectomy (commonly known as declawing) or flexor tendonectomy procedure by any means on a cat or other animal, unless the procedure is deemed necessary for a therapeutic purpose by a licensed veterinarian. Further, “therapeutic purpose” as used in the bill does not include cosmetic or aesthetic reasons or reasons for convenience in keeping or handling the animal. While the legislation does not specifically mention dogs, as written, it could be interpreted to include dogs. The bill was approved on a 3-2 vote from the Senate Economic Growth Committee for referral to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee where it has yet to be scheduled for a hearing. AKC GR continues to work with the sponsor on previously agreed language that exempts dogs from the legislation.
Ohio – House Bill 247 significantly strengthens the state’s dangerous dog laws and includes several provisions recommended by the AKC. AKC supports this bill, which unanimously passed the Ohio House of Representatives on June 18 and will be considered by the Senate when they return from summer recess.
Oregon – SB 1076 addresses fees and licensing structure for animal rescues and also sought to establish licensing rules for pet breeding (including dogs) through the Department of Agriculture. The proposal missed legislative deadlines and will not advance this year. AKC opposed this bill.
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 regulations regarding facilities and other protections required by commercial kennels. The bill was referred to the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee and has not yet been scheduled for a hearing.
Pennsylvania – HB 1515 is legislation that prohibits insurers in Pennsylvania from discriminating against homeowners based solely on the breed of dog they own, unless the dog has been legally deemed dangerous, with the new rules applying to insurance policies issued, renewed, or modified 60 days after the law takes effect. The bill has been referred to the House Housing & Community Development on May 29, 2025, and has not yet been scheduled for a hearing.
Pennsylvania – State Senator Gene Yaw is currently soliciting cosponsor to reintroduce legislation establishing an Animal Welfare Board. The Board would consist of experts in their respective fields, who will be responsible for reviewing existing laws and regulations in the Commonwealth related to keeping and handling of animals. While the legislation has yet to be formally introduced, Senator Yaw has assured AKC that a member representing both the American Kennel Club and the Pennsylvania Federation of Dog Clubs will be included on the board.
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. AKC also met with the bill sponsor. On June 2, the committee voted favorably to adopt SB 550 substitute A addressing AKC’s concerns before the Senate passed it. The House introduced HB 6407 as a companion bill to SB 550 substitute A on June 11 and it was sent to the House Judiciary Committee. Neither bill advanced before adjournment.
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. AKC met with the bill sponsor and instead of advancing SB 551, SB 550 substitute A was voted favorably that would allow animal control officers to use the same legal procedures as the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals does for the forfeiture of animals under certain circumstances. The bill passed the Senate. The House introduced HB 6407 as a companion bill to SB 550 substitute A on June 11 and it was sent to the House Judiciary Committee. Neither bill advanced before adjournment.
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 and the bill was forwarded to a study committee for review. It did not advance before adjournment.
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. It did not advance before adjournment.
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. The committee advanced the bill without changes, but before passage in the Senate, AKC concerns were addressed with a floor amendment. The House then introduced HB 6383 on June 3 and AKC submitted the same concerns for the June 10 House Committee on Corporations Committee hearing. As noted in this update, the committee adopted the Senate amendment text on June 16 and voted it favorably to the House calendar. Both amended bills passed each chamber and the Governor signed them into law on June 30.
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 regarding animal fighting. On June 16, the committee approved an amended HB 6089 before placing the bill on the House calendar. The amended bill would increase the imprisonment penalty for animal fighting from two (2) to five (5) years for a subsequent conviction under § 4-1-9 and would also require mandatory community service. It passed each chamber and the Governor signed it into law on June 27.