Legislative Alerts

In the coming days, the Missouri House of Representatives is expected to consider a bill that would require certain social workers to report any animal cruelty they encounter while performing their official duties. Because a House vote is expected soon, those who wish to comment on House Bill 2292 are encouraged to contact their Missouri […]

On Tuesday (March 10), a New York committee will consider a bill that could force anyone who sells nine (9) dogs in a year, which could be one litter, to be licensed, inspected, and regulated as pet dealers. This bill, Senate Bill 8252, is from the 2025 session, and includes some clarifying language to address […]

On Wednesday (March 11), a Maryland Committee is holding a public hearing on a bill that, among other provisions, would require annual registration for all dog breeders, and $50 birth certificates for every puppy whelped.  The costs would be put into an account to support shelters and spay/neuter programs, along with supporting administration and enforcement […]

The Virginia House has passed Senate Bill 707 which bans “debarking” – a standard veterinary practice also known as bark softening – except when such procedure is necessary to treat or relieve any injury, disease, or congenital defect that is causing or may cause the dog physical pain or harm. Having passed both chambers of […]

A Connecticut committee is considering a bill tomorrow (Wednesday, March 4), that in part would establish a working group to study and develop recommendations regarding the state’s animal population control program.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is concerned with the proposed composition of the working group, and encourages the bill be amended to ensure balanced […]

Thanks to your swift action and the coordinated efforts of our partners in Georgia, including the dedicated leadership of the Georgia Canine Coalition (GCC), today’s scheduled hearing to consider Senate Bill 590 has been cancelled. As introduced, SB 590 seeks to create a new, expansive definition of “dog breeder”; expand minimum standards of care for […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) Government Relations (GR) team is continuing to monitor legislation in Oklahoma that could significantly impact responsible dog owners and breeders. Two measures, House Bill 4055 (HB 4055) and House Bill 3393 (HB 3393), seek to impose new licensing, fees, and inspection requirements on those who own intact dogs for breeding purposes. Below are […]

A new Georgia bill that would potentially create statewide dog ownership limits and subject owners of intact female dogs and/or small hobby breeders to vague commercial-style breeder licensing requirements will be considered in a hearing on Monday, March 2, at 9AM.  Please contact your lawmakers NOW to express your concerns.   Scroll down for talking points […]

On March 3, the House Agriculture Committee will mark up draft language pertaining to federal dog laws in the 2026 House Farm Bill (H.R. 7567). As introduced, the bill supports important priorities for dog enthusiasts and responsible breeders, including canine health, welfare and the rights of responsible dog owners and breeders.  As a constituent of an […]

The Virginia House could soon vote on a bill to ban “debarking” – a standard veterinary practice also known as bark softening – except when such procedure is necessary to treat or relieve any injury, disease, or congenital defect that is causing or may cause the dog physical pain or harm. Senate Bill 707 banning […]