Legislative Alerts

Summary: The U.S. imports 80-90% of its bomb- sniffing dogs from overseas breeders. Increasing demand and a shortage of dogs places U.S. national security in unnecessary jeopardy. HR 4577 creates a path forward to improve standards and capacity for explosives detection dogs and encourages domestic breeding programs.  Please contact your Senators now and ask them […]

Yesterday evening, the Shamong Township (NJ) Committee unanimously tabled proposed changes to the Township’s animal ordinances, which included future prohibitions on kennels and breeders with five or more intact females, breeding and ownership restrictions, and a ban on retail sales at pet stores.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) strongly opposed the proposal. The American Kennel […]

The American Kennel Club has just learned from the bill sponsor that Proposal 1568, which regulates pet dealers and pet stores, will be recessed tomorrow until a later date.  Those interested in commenting are still welcome to attend tomorrow’s hearing, but no action will be taken. The AKC greatly appreciates Legislator Martinez’s continued commitment to […]

Tomorrow (Wednesday, September 5), the Suffolk County Legislature is considering an ordinance to further regulate pet stores and anyone who meets the state definition of “Pet Dealer”, defined as someone who sells over 9 dogs a year or over 25 if they are bred and raised on the person’s property. Those who wish to comment […]

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 […]