Legislative Alerts

Today, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper signed into law House Bill 118, which provides certain liability protections when there has been exposure to the COVID-19 virus. This new law may be of potential interest to some AKC-affiliated clubs with deep concerns about conducting their events while under a higher-than-normal exposure to liability risks. Among other […]

The Chicago City Council Health and Human Relations Committee is expected to consider a bill on Monday that seeks to stop fraudulent rescues from sourcing to pet stores. In addition to addressing this issue, it also would make numerous changes to city pet animal ordinances, including requiring licensing of hobby breeders as animal care facilities, […]

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 […]

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 (11:45 AM on 7/1/20), here are the latest schedule updates impacting legislation at the state and federal level. Please continue to check […]

The Michigan Senate Agriculture Committee has approved a positive bill that seeks to regulate rescues and foster homes in the state. Senate Bill 419, which includes several amendments requested by the AKC and the Michigan Association for Pure-Bred Dogs, seeks to regulate “animal rescues”, defined as a person that acquires an animal for the purpose […]

The Governor of Utah has signed Senate Bill 5003, which provides certain liability protections when there has been exposure to the COVID-19 virus. This new law may be of potential interest to some AKC-affiliated clubs with deep concerns about conducting their events while under a higher-than-normal exposure to liability risks. Among other provisions, the new […]

The City of Helena is proposing a rewrite of its animal control code, with a particular focus on nuisance and dangerous dogs, and revised licensing requirements for those who own multiple dogs.  A public hearing has been scheduled for July 13, 2020 (Scroll down for more information). Helena residents and those who participate in events […]

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking public comment on proposed changes to the regulations for hunting contests. In Washington, permits are issued to non-profit organizations to hold a hunting contest, whereby a monetary prize of up to $2,000 may be offered to the contest participant who harvests the most animals.  WDFW […]

Increasing demand for pets and restrictive breeder laws mean that U.S. breeders cannot meet the demand for dogs in the U.S. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates approximately one million dogs are imported into the United States annually. This has resulted in increasing reported incidents of imported dogs bringing contagious diseases […]

In response to input from residents regarding a proposed animal ordinance, the Aiken County Council voted to table the measure. It could be reconsidered at a July 2020 meeting. The American Kennel Club (AKC) thanks council members for their receptiveness to the concerns of residents.  View AKC’s 6/15/20 legislative alert on this issue.     Help Ensure […]