The following list highlights some of the AKC Government Relations’ (AKC GR) legislative successes through March 6, 2024. These and other victories have been won in cooperation with AKC federations, clubs, and responsible dog owners and breeders around the country who continue to work tirelessly to promote positive canine legislation in their state and community.
To view all Legislative Alerts posted for your state in 2023, as well as the latest information on all bills being tracked by the AKC Government Relations Department, visit the AKC Legislative Action Center at www.akcgr.org.
Arizona
Senate Bill 1047 seeks to regulate dogs outdoors. It provides specific exemptions for police and working dogs, hunting, training, “sporting and competitive functions”, and “lawful competitions”. As introduced, the bill also included a new definition of “extreme weather”, defined by a heat advisory, certain weather warnings (such as a monsoon, dust storm, etc.), and when the temperature is below 32 degrees or over 100 degrees. Although in this measure it only applied to when proper bedding was required, AKC was concerned about the definition being used in the future to restrict when dogs could be outside, without consideration for the needs and abilities of specific breeds. The committee removed the specific temperatures from the definition. The bill as amended has passed the Senate and is pending in the House Land, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs Committee.
Senate Bill 1204 would have expanded current problematic law in matters relating to seizure of animals. It expanded when an animal may be seized and increases the amount of the bond required per animal to cover boarding, veterinary care and impound fees. While the money would be returned if the owner is found not guilty, current law would still cause an owner to lose the animals if they do not pay the bond within 10 days. It also allowed for third parties to care for the animal during the proceedings. AKC contacted the sponsor asking for clarification on the requirements for those permitted to care for the animals, and for the owner be given the right to approve who cares for the animal. It was held in the Natural Resources, Energy, and Water Committee.
Georgia
Senate Resolution 344, which commends the benefits and contributions of purebred dogs and recognizes May 1, 2024, as Purebred Dog Day in the State of Georgia, was adopted by the Georgia Senate on January 24, 2024. Click here then click “Current Version” to read the resolution in its entirety. Gail LaBerge, President of the Georgia Canine Coalition, worked tirelessly to advance this resolution. Read more.
Indiana
House Bill 1412 seeks to allow pet stores to continue to operate in the state and overturn current local retail bans that have already passed in several Indiana communities. The bill would also mandate the registration of all rescues that transfer more than 12 dogs in the state, and allows for inspections of rescues if there are complaints about the care of the animals. At the request of AKC and the Indiana Purebred Dog Alliance, the Senate Agriculture Committee amended the bill to ensure it solely addressed standards for pet stores and commercial breeders who source to them, and remove language that could have been misconstrued as requiring hobby breeders to comply with standards designed for large commercial kennels. With this amendment, AKC is neutral on the bill, which will soon be transmitted to the governor for consideration.
Kansas
HB 2542 as introduced was would have required 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 bill had no limits on the amount of the bond/cost of care and AKC participated in multiple meetings with key legislators and agency staff to convey our concern that even if someone does not mistreat their animals, they can ultimately lose ownership simply because they cannot afford to post a bond. The bill was amended to remove all bond for care language, along with many other provisions. It will not advance this year.
New Hampshire
SB 541 would have defined “pet vendor” as related to a “retail pet store” as a licensee that transfers animals at retail to the public from a physical facility. It would also: cap “retail pet stores” to the transfer of cats and dogs at 2023 levels; prohibit the sale of “retail pet stores” to anyone but family members; and require future NH “retail pet stores” to source dogs and cats only from animal shelters. AKC issued an alert and testified in opposition. The committee voted February 6 to refer the bill to interim study. A companion bill, HB 1680, was considered by the House Environment and Agriculture Committee. AKC testified in opposition with NH DOGS and the bill was voted inexpedient to legislate on February 6. Details are here.
Rhode Island
HB 7294 would prohibit captive hunting for domestic or wild animals without prohibiting the release of upland game birds for hunting on licensed shooting preserves. AKC negotiated a clarifying amendment with proponents of the bill to ensure that adoption would not interfere with lawful field trials.
Washington
HB 1012 is a bill carried over from 2023 that will provide state grants to localities so they can protect their citizens and their pets during extreme weather events. This would include funding for emergency shelters, transportation and lodging during extreme weather. AKC has supported this bill in the Legislature and testified in support of it as well. This bill has recently passed the Legislature and awaits a decision by the governor. AKC looks forward to it becoming law.
West Virginia
Senate Resolution 60 declares May 1, 2024, as Purebred Dog Day in West Virginia. It recognizes the dedicated individuals in West Virginia who breed dogs to develop unique, predictable characteristics that enable dogs to excel in a wide range of beneficial areas. It also recognizes the “benefits and contributions” of purebred dogs and discusses their importance to society, history, and culture. AKC thanks Adrianne Dering of the Mountaineer Kennel Club for her work on getting this resolution drafted and advanced. It passed on March 1.