Legislative Alerts

As you may have already seen, the COVID-19 outbreak and preventative public health measures are having a significant impact on legislative schedules and hearings around the country. Schedules are evolving rapidly.  As of (3:00 PM on 4/8/20), here are the latest schedule updates impacting legislation at the state and federal level. Please continue to check […]

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 […]

Today, the American Kennel Club (AKC) submitted comments to the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) regarding its proposed regulation updates that would redefine “service animal”  for the purpose of air travel. The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) is a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in air travel and requires […]

Last June, the Massachusetts General Court’s Joint Municipalities and Regional Government Committee accepted public testimony on H.1774, S. 114, H. 1757, H.1758, H. 1822, H. 1823, and S. 1204, which seek: to impose regulatory oversight over personal and commercial kennels, mandate annual inspections of all kennels, and create consumer protection laws that exempt animal shelters […]

On March 16, 2020, members of the Edgewood, Kentucky, city council discussed amendments to the city’s animal ordinance, including changes to vicious dog provisions.  During the meeting, one council member proposed including a ban on Rottweilers and “pit bulls”.  No action was taken. The American Kennel Club (AKC) supports reasonable, enforceable, non-discriminatory laws to govern […]

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is proposing amendments to the Dog Training and Field Trials rule.  The rule is being amended to provide for the issuance of field trial permits online, and to make organizational and technical changes. The most significant change under the proposed amended rule would allow individuals who want to conduct […]

According to Governor Brian Kemp’s staff, an executive order will be issued tomorrow (4/3/20) that is anticipated to include shelter-in-place requirements.  Georgia pet owners are urged to contact the governor’s office today and politely request that veterinarians and pet food/care businesses be designated as essential businesses/services and allowed to continue to operate subject to safe […]

Dear AKC Club Officers and Delegates, Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, we recognize that many of your clubs have had to make significant sacrifices, including cancelling the shows and events that you rely on for your viability. We want to assist you in every way possible. We have received a number of inquiries about whether […]

Today, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s (APHIS) Animal Care Division provided an update on its inspection protocols for the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA) licensees. APHIS Animal Care is continuing to conduct inspections when it becomes aware of serious welfare concerns.  Routine inspections are being limited based on Animal Care’s risk assessments […]

The COVID-19 outbreak and rapidly evolving policy responses are having a significant impact on the lives of dog owners around the country. The AKC Government Relations Department remains committed to keeping you up to date on the latest information impacting you and your dogs. Our new COVID-19 resources page in the AKC Legislative Action Center […]