Legislative Alerts

Tuesday, June 30, 2015 A committee of Stamford, Connecticut’s Board of Representatives is currently considering changes to Chapter 111 of the City’s Code of Ordinances, which currently deals with “Dogs and Other Animals”.  The changes include use of the term “guardian” to describe the relationship between dogs and their owners and requires breeders to acquire […]

The New York Legislature has adjourned and will likely not reconvene until 2016.  Prior to adjournment, three bills were passed that would directly impact dog owners.  The bills must still be sent to the governor for his approval or veto: Assembly Bill 6626/Senate Bill 5372 – Allowing Service/Therapy Dogs to Accompany Domestic Violence Victims: The […]

NC Information: Budget Proposal Would Charge Sales Tax on Veterinary, Grooming, and Boarding Services June 22, 2015 The North Carolina General Assembly is currently developing a state budget for the coming fiscal year.  A provision in the Senate version passed on June 18 would require that the general sales tax rate (currently 4.75%) be applied […]

June 17, 2015 AKC has learned that these ordinances have been pulled from the June 23rd agenda. The Washoe County Commission has directed animal services to return to the drafting board and has indicated that they do not want ordinances that will negatively impact responsible breeders or animal oriented businesses in a negative manner. AKC […]

June 17, 2015 The Pennsylvania Senate Game and Fisheries Committee has approved Senate Bill 77, which would make several changes regarding dog training areas, including providing protections for dogs actively training or participating in field trials. Read AKC’s previous legislative alert for more information on this bill.  The bill is now under consideration by the […]

June 16, 2015 On June 23rd the Washoe County Board of Commissioners will be considering changes to their animal control ordinance that will define commercial animal establishments and commercial breeders. Two separate ordinances are proposed. The ordinances will impose significant fees and burdens on small, local, responsible breeders. State law already defines and regulates certain […]

June 12, 2015 The Oregon State Senate is scheduled to vote on House Bill 3494 on Monday, June 15th and your opposition is needed! The measure will ban the practice of debarking unless it is medically necessary to treat an injury, illness, or congenital defect.  This legislation restricts the rights of responsible dog owners to […]

June 12, 2015 The Pennsylvania Senate Game and Fisheries Committee is scheduled to consider a bill on Tuesday, June 16, that would make several changes regarding dog training areas, including providing protections for dogs actively training or participating in field trials. Background: Senate Bill 77 creates a number of new provisions, including: Making it unlawful […]

June 11, 2015 The New York Assembly has approved a bill that would allow victims of domestic violence to bring their service or therapy dogs with them if they need to go to an emergency shelter. The AKC supports Assembly Bill 6626, which recognizes the important role these animals provide, and the complex dynamic involving […]

June 8, 2015 The New York Assembly Agriculture Committee is considering a bill tomorrow (Tuesday, June 9) that would make some changes and clarifications to the laws regarding hunting dogs. Assembly Bill 7220 deals with dogs recovered or seized by local law enforcement for being at-large.  Under the provisions of this bill, a hunting dog […]