Legislative Alerts

The Norman Animal Welfare Center is holding a public hearing on Monday, November 26, to obtain community input on several proposed changes to the city’s Animal Welfare Ordinances. The proposed amendments include, but are not limited to: Mandatory sterilization of all dogs 4 months of age or older, unless an intact animal permit is purchased. […]

Despite letters of concern from AKC Government Relations, dog owners and breeders, and a state-licensed veterinarian to the New Haven, CT Board of Alders regarding proposed changes to their animal ordinance, the Board enacted a re-drafted animal ordinance proposal last night.  AKC GR has learned that the proposal will now go to the city’s Mayor […]

Last night, the Cumberland Town Council indicated its willingness to work with the Providence County Kennel Club’s legislative liaison, Vincent Indeglia, and AKC Government Relations to develop an effective ordinance that monitors the breeding of dogs in town without negatively impacting responsible dog owners and breeders.  The decision has effectively tabled item # 18-22A, the […]

Yesterday, Florida voters approved a new state constitutional amendment that will phase out commercial dog racing in the state in connection with wagering by 2020. Passage of this amendment means that Florida will join 40 other U.S. states that ban this practice.  The amendment passed with 69% of voters supporting the amendment.  The amendment provides that after December […]

Douglas County, Colorado, has postponed a meeting that was scheduled for tonight on several new proposed laws, including regulations for nuisance/barking dogs and dogs considered “potentially dangerous.” The county has postponed the meeting so that they can continue to work with the Colorado Federation of Dog Clubs and local dog owners on positive amendments to […]

Numerous news sources report that the Fort Smith, Arkansas Animal Services Advisory Board has drafted proposed changes to the animal ordinance that would include a $500 annual license for intact dogs and cats in the city. News reports further indicate that the $500 annual unaltered dog or cat license would be considered a “business license” […]

Noble County Commissioners postponed their vote on a proposal that would restrict virtually all breeding in the county, thanks to the significant feedback they received from the community. Among other provisions, the proposed laws would require a license for anyone who breeds a litter and sells or gives away even one dog.  The number of […]

The Township Committee of Shamong, New Jersey, is expected to consider amended proposed changes to its animal ordinances at its upcoming Wednesday, November 7, 2018, meeting.  Due to the successful outreach of concerned local stakeholders, the Township Committee eliminated some troublesome provisions of earlier proposals, including a ban on future breeders and kennels and pet […]

The Albany County Legislature has tabled two bills impacting dog ownership following a public hearing last week. Proposal “G” would have limited tethering, and as written would not have allowed for temporary tethering, even if the owner is with the dog. Proposal “H” in part would have allowed any person to enter a vehicle to […]

New Jersey Assembly Bill 3044, which seeks to create state oversight of dog groomers, was amended again earlier this week and is now scheduled for consideration and a vote by the full General Assembly this Monday, October 29, 2018.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) appreciates recent amendments, including clarification that individuals who groom a dog […]