Legislative Alerts

Tomorrow, September 28, a Michigan committee is considering two bills that address the issue of animals being seized, and the payment of their care during impoundment.  As written, they could cause someone to permanently lose their animals even if they are ultimately found not guilty. AKC strongly believes that those who treat animals in a […]

The American Kennel Club is concerned about the health and wellbeing of all dogs, and works hard to advocate for laws that protect canine health and wellbeing and the rights of responsible dog owners. We are reaching out to you because your Congressional or Senate representative is a member of the powerful Agriculture or Appropriations […]

Please share this legislative alert with animal owners in Louisville/Jefferson County, Kentucky. This information is important for residents who might in the future find it necessary to rehome their pets. A problematic and overreaching proposed animal ordinance is scheduled to be introduced at the Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Council meeting on Thursday, September 23, 2021. According […]

On Tuesday, September 28, multiple animal bills will be reviewed by the Massachusetts Joint Municipalities and Regional Government Committee between 12pm and 3pm.  Most have been re-filed from last session.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) strongly encourages those who reside in Massachusetts to again contact the committee and share the following concerns: HB 2130 (“Relative […]

On Monday, the Texas Senate Criminal Justice Committee passed Senate Bill 5, which seeks to regulate tethering in the state. Senate Bill 5 is very similar to Senate Bill 474, which was passed but then vetoed by the governor.  It provides guidelines for how a dog may be tethered, and includes many exemptions for training, […]

A Yarmouth (Maine) Town Council meeting considering changes to Chapter 309 regarding dogs has been rescheduled to Thursday, September 23, 2021 starting at 6pm. Read AKC’s previous alert for more information on the proposal. Town Council meetings are held at the American Legion Log Cabin in accordance with the most current recommendations from the Maine […]

As mentioned in a previous alert, the Waynesboro (VA) City Council recently heard a presentation from the City Manager about proposed amendments to City Code regarding animals, which included a provision that would limit the number of animals that may be kept or maintained on any property. At the beginning of last night’s meeting, Mayor […]

The Animal Welfare Program of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry (DAFC) has proposed amendments to its Animal Welfare regulations.  The amendments apply to breeding kennels, boarding kennels, shelters, and pet stores licensed by the state. The proposal seeks to improve accountability for animal facilities importing animals for sale or adoption and improve […]

South Portland: On Tuesday, September 7, 2021, the City Council of South Portland reviewed proposed changes to its animal ordinance, which was amended in late August.  At Tuesday’s meeting, the City Council forwarded the proposal—ORDINANCE #3-21/22 - Amending Chapter 3, "Animals and Fowl", regarding dogs—to an ad hoc committee for the purpose of continued work […]

Late Tuesday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a proclamation announcing that he will convene the third special legislative session of 2021 on Monday, September 20, at 10AM.  His proclamation identifies five agenda items, including, “Legislation similar to Senate Bill 474 as passed by the 87th Legislature, Regular Session, but that addresses the concerns expressed in […]