Legislative Alerts

The following bills have been scheduled for public hearing on Monday, March 1, 2021.  AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) encourages New Hampshire residents to take action on these bills as follows: RESPONSIBILITIES OF AN ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER 9:00 am - HB 431 would require elected animal control officers take an oath to faithfully discharge their […]

The following chart provides information on COVID-19 shelter in place/closure orders with respect to rules impacting access to pet care, supplies, and services.  This document will be updated to reflect changing circumstances as new information becomes available. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, many states are shutting down all but what they deem to be essential […]

Yesterday, a Senate subcommittee passed SSB 1195, and it will be considered by the Senate Agriculture Committee TOMORROW (Thursday, February 25). As stated in a previous alert, this important bill would prevent local governments from passing any law that places significant restrictions – including financial hardships – on the use of working animals or “animal […]

On Thursday, February 25, an Oklahoma House committee is considering a bill that would restrict tethering in the state. While some provisions are reasonable, some are very unclear and could have unintended consequences that will impact responsible dog owners and outdoor dog events. Those who reside or participate in performance and other outdoor dog events […]

House Bill 361 seeks to authorize any officer of a governmental animal control agency to enter any property or dwelling that the officer reasonably believes is abandoned to rescue any non-livestock animal contained therein. This would expand powers to enter certain private property and confiscate companion animals without first obtaining a warrant.  The bill is […]

AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) thanks both the New Hampshire residents who contacted lawmakers this month regarding bills impacting dogs and the New Hampshire House Environment and Agriculture Committee for the consideration of their comments and the thoughtful review of legislation before them. Two of three helpful bills supported by AKC GR and considered by […]

The Missouri Senate Local Government Committee is scheduled to consider a bill on Wednesday, February 24, that would prohibit any county or municipality (including those under home rule) from controlling or regulating specific breeds of dogs.  Senate Bill 107 would also make any existing breed-specific law in the state null and void. Counties and municipalities […]

The Nevada Senate Commerce and Labor Committee is considering a bill on Wednesday, February 24, that would prohibit homeowner’s insurance providers from refusing or cancelling coverage or increasing premiums based solely on the breed of dog owned by the policy holder. All responsible dog owners and breeders in Nevada are encouraged to contact the committee […]

Last week, a bill was introduced in the California Assembly to regulate all who breed a dog in the state. Assembly Bill 702 can be scheduled for a committee hearing beginning March 19.  No hearing is currently scheduled; however, this is an opportunity for all who breed dogs in the state to join the AKC […]

Today, the New Jersey Senate passed S.2868, which seeks to create court-appointed legal advocates for animals.  The bill will next be considered by the General Assembly, but has not been assigned to a committee for consideration. The American Kennel Club (AKC) opposes S.2868.  We believe that the creation of court-appointed animal advocates is likely to […]