Legislative Alerts

The Prince George’s County Council (Maryland) is scheduled to consider numerous changes to the county’s animal laws on Tuesday, November 19, at 1:30 pm. Several weeks ago, a county committee approved multiple amendments, including repealing the county’s long-standing breed-specific laws and instituting new, comprehensive dangerous dog laws.  This will be considered on Tuesday, along with […]

Monday, November 11, 2019 A problematic proposed ordinance in Smithfield, Rhode Island, which seeks to ban the sale of animals in any retail pet store or commercial establishment, is scheduled for public hearing on December 17, 2019.  The proposed change to Chapter 126, regarding “Animals,” would instead allow pet stores, retail businesses, or other commercial […]

On Wednesday, November 6, the New Cumberland (PA) Borough Council is scheduled to consider a proposal that would limit the number of animals that may be kept or maintained on any property. The proposal states that “due to the close proximity of the properties” in the Borough, no one may keep or maintain on a […]

On Tuesday, November 5, residents in the town of Middleton, Massachusetts, are being asked at a Special Town Meeting to vote on a new dangerous dog bylaw that could categorize dogs as “nuisance” or “dangerous” indefinitely. Article 13 is a petition by the Board of Selectman amending the Middleton General Bylaws, Chapter 107: Animals, by […]

On Thursday, October 31, the Michigan Senate Agriculture Committee will be taking testimony on a bill regulating rescues and foster homes operating in Michigan. Senate Bill 419 seeks to regulate “animal rescues”, defined as a person that acquires an animal for the purpose of finding that animal a new home and maintains the animal in […]

Several months ago, a last-minute amendment was made to section 760 of the 2020 House Agriculture Appropriations bill that would require the USDA to make privately identifiable information about licensed breeders, including home addresses, pet inventories, and other sensitive information, available to the public online. That measure currently awaits reconciliation and attention from Senate appropriators. […]

On Thursday, October 31, 2019 the Manatee Board of County Commissioners is scheduled to hold a work session to discuss proposed restrictions on retail sales of pets.  Concerned citizens are encouraged to attend the meeting to learn more and provide input on these proposals. Certain legislation that has been introduced and/or enacted in other Florida […]

Iowans have one week left to comment on proposed animal welfare regulations published by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS). IDALS continues to actively seek public input on this issue and AKC encourages Iowa breeders and hobbyists to comment and/or attend the October 30 public hearing. View AKC’s previous alert for more […]

Please share this information with dog owners in Decatur, AL. The Decatur (AL) City Council is scheduled to vote Monday, October 21, 2019, on amendments to the city’s animal ordinance that include restrictions on tethering, the establishment of minimum enclosure sizes for dogs, a requirement to use specified water receptacles, and other potentially problematic provisions. […]

Last week, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) posted new proposed regulations regarding animal welfare and is seeking public comment until October 30. IDALS is seeking public input and has indicated to the American Kennel Club that they want to hear from Iowa breeders and hobbyists.  AKC greatly appreciates that IDALS continues […]