Legislative Alerts

Officials in Kansas City, Missouri, are seeking input from residents on numerous proposed changes to the city’s animal control laws. This includes amending the current ownership limit laws and removing breed-specific provisions.  Other considerations include mandatory spay/neuter and regulations on tethering and outdoor shelters. The city has set up a website with a questionnaire to […]

The Township Committee of Shamong, New Jersey, is expected to consider significant changes to its animal ordinances at its Tuesday, September 4, meeting.  As currently worded, the proposal contains many troublesome and controversial provisions, including future prohibitions on kennels and breeders with 5 or more intact females.  The proposal also includes breeding and ownership restrictions, […]

The Township Committee of Shamong, New Jersey, is expected to consider significant changes to its animal ordinances at its Tuesday, September 4, meeting.  As currently worded, the proposal contains many concerning and controversial provisions, including future prohibitions on kennels and breeders with 5 or more intact females.  The proposal also includes breeding and ownership restrictions, […]

A new law has been signed in Illinois that will require state animal shelters and animal control facilities to report certain information regarding the animals entering and leaving the facilities. Public Act 100-0870, initiated by AKC’s Illinois federation, the Illinois Federation of Dog Clubs and Owners (IFDCO), is an important law that will, among other […]

A “pet sales ban” in Manatee County, Florida will be discussed at a workshop on Tuesday, August 14, 2018.  Manatee County residents and members of the public who want to learn more about the proposed ban are urged to attend. Manatee County staff indicated that a 2018 ordinance has not yet been drafted; therefore, the […]

The El Paso Animal Shelter Advisory Committee is holding a public hearing tonight where, among other items, there will be discussion on possible pet grooming regulations for the city.  In March 2018, the city council approved the drafting of a new ordinance that could require licensing and other regulations for groomers.  AKC understands this meeting […]

Today the Animal Care Division of the United States Department of Agriculture's  Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)  presented a new initiative to enhance  the working relationship  between licensees such as pet breeders,  the veterinarians who attend to their animals' health care needs, and  USDA inspectors.  Under the new initiative, USDA inspectors will be reach  out directly to breeders' veterinarians of […]

Good news out of Springfield, Missouri! City residents voted to overturn a ban that would prohibit any future ‘pit bull’ type dogs from entering the city. The City Council voted 5-4 last October to ban ‘pit bulls’ and the ordinance was scheduled to take effect in January. However, the issue was sent to the ballot […]