Legislative Alerts

PA Update:  Senate Bill Impacting Field Trials, Winter Dog Events Advancing June 2, 2015 The Pennsylvania Senate has given tentative approval to a bill that amends the state’s cruelty laws to regulate tethering and sheltering for dogs kept outdoors. The AKC strongly believes that no dog should ever be kept in a situation that endangers […]

UPDATE (June 1, 2015):  Governor McCrory vetoed HB 405 on Friday, May 29.  The legislature now has the option of overriding this veto with a 3/5 majority vote in both chambers.  The AKC supports this measure and urges North Carolinians to contact their state senator and representative today and ask them support a veto override. Visit […]

Indiana Accepting Comments on Proposed Changes to Dog Training Grounds, Beagle Field Trials Until June 4 June 1, 2015 The Indiana Natural Resources Commission is considering a new rule that would change a number of regulations, including those pertaining to dog training grounds. Changes would include requiring that dog training grounds that allow for the […]

June 1, 2015 The NY Assembly Housing Committee is scheduled to consider a bill on Wednesday, June 3, that would prohibit a person from being denied or evicted from public housing based solely on the breed of dog owned by the tenant.  The bill would also prohibit housing leases (including apartments, tenements, and mobile home […]

June 1, 2015 The New York Assembly Social Services Committee is considering a bill on Wednesday, June 3, 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 […]

AKC Government Relations has just learned that on Tuesday, June 2nd the Taos County, NM Board of County Commissioners will consider proposed changes to county animal control ordinances that include: Mandatory spay/neuter provisions Burdensome licensing fees Leash requirements that could deem your dog to be “at-large” even when on your own property, and Limit laws […]

June 1, 2015 The New York Assembly Health Committee is scheduled to consider a bill on Tuesday, June 2, that would allow dogs in outdoor eating establishments, as long as certain conditions are met.  The AKC supports this bill, which would allow responsible dog owners more opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities and socialization with their […]

May 29, 2015 The New York Senate Agriculture Committee is considering a bill that would amend the current laws to help identify the owners of lost dogs.  Under Senate Bill 1812, which is supported by the AKC, a lost dog must be checked for all forms of identification, including tags, microchips, tattoos or licenses within […]

Ask NY Committee to Support Allowing Service/Therapy Dogs to Accompany Domestic Violence Victims at Shelters May 26, 2015 The New York Senate Social Services Committee is considering a bill on Thursday, May 28, that would allow victims of domestic violence to bring their service or therapy dogs with them if they need to go to […]

Wednesday, May 27, 2015 Louisiana House Bill 710 is scheduled to be heard by the House Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development Committee on Thursday, May 28.  The bill seeks to require certain dog breeders to register annually with their parish and to submit to annual inspections of their facilities by local officials.  The AKC […]