Legislative Alerts

Mississippi Senate Bill 3049 provides certain protections from civil damages for injury or death related to COVID-19 to individuals, associations, for-profit or nonprofit entities, and other organizations. The Act was signed by Governor Tate Reeves on July 8 and is effective retroactive to March 14, 2020. This legislation may be of interest to AKC-affiliated clubs […]

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 (3:45 PM on 7/9/20), here are the latest schedule updates impacting legislation at the state and federal level. Please continue to check […]

This week, a Chicago City Council committee gave initial approval to a proposal that would ban hobby breeding in the city without extensive permits and requirements. Those who reside, have registered a litter, or participate in breed rescue activities in Chicago are encouraged to reach out to the City TODAY, express your concerns, and ask […]

Two Louisiana bills, enacted as Acts 336 and 362, grant certain liability protections for persons, businesses, and other entities from claims related to COVID-19 exposure. These protections are retroactive to March 11, 2020. This legislation may be of interest to AKC-affiliated clubs with concerns about conducting their events while under a higher-than-normal exposure to liability […]

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, 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 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 […]