Legislative Alerts

Earlier this year, AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) alerted Maine breeders to the presence of an anti-breeder definition proposed in LD 1311, a bill that seeks to ban animal sales by pet stores.  The proposed “animal rescue entity” definition sought to exclude all breeders from animal rescue activities.  Given that many responsible purebred dog breeders […]

The Town of Greenburgh, NY, is holding a public hearing on Wednesday, December 11, on a proposal that will prohibit retail pet stores from selling any dogs or cats.  Instead, they would only be allowed to “showcase” animals available for adoption from a shelter, rescue, or adoption agency. Current state law requires that pet dealers […]

The voices of responsible Florida dog owners made a difference, and an amendment was filed to Florida Senate Bill 522. AKC urges responsible dog owners to contact committee members immediately in support of the proposed changes that address the vast majority of issues with the original measure.  In addition, AKC Government Relations has recommended an […]

A Florida bill that is up for vote in committee on Tuesday, 12/10/19, would make it a criminal offense to allow a dog to be outside and unattended when the temperature is below 32 degrees or during a severe weather advisory/warning, even if the dog is never at risk or suffers no harm. Senate Bill […]

Yesterday, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship published the final updates to the state’s animal welfare regulations. Visit the IDALS website to view the regulations in their entirety.  AKC thanks all those who took the time to submit comments to the department. Summary: The purpose of these updates in part is to address […]

Recently, AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) reported on a troublesome amendment to the U.S. Senate FY 2020 combined “minibus” Appropriations Bill that would mirror a U.S. House proposal removing certain privacy protections for USDA licensed pet breeders. We are pleased to report that the proposal failed in the Senate bill. However, the troublesome language does remain […]

The Massachusetts Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security has reviewed HB 2037 and SB 1431 providing for EMT care and transportation of police dogs injured in the line of duty and just favorably released a re-drafted bill, now SB 2423, to the Senate Ways and Means Committee.  In addition to authorizing EMTs to […]

The Johnson City Board of Commissioners is scheduled to hold a third and final vote on Thursday, November 21, 2019 to enact an overreaching new animal ordinance.  Proponents of the ordinance state that they will immediately seek to pass this same legislation throughout Washington County. AKC agrees with the city’s intent to protect dogs in […]

The Prince George’s County Council (Maryland) is scheduled to consider numerous changes to the county’s animal laws on Tuesday, November 19, at 1:30 pm. Several weeks ago, a county committee approved multiple amendments, including repealing the county’s long-standing breed-specific laws and instituting new, comprehensive dangerous dog laws.  This will be considered on Tuesday, along with […]

Monday, November 11, 2019 A problematic proposed ordinance in Smithfield, Rhode Island, which seeks to ban the sale of animals in any retail pet store or commercial establishment, is scheduled for public hearing on December 17, 2019.  The proposed change to Chapter 126, regarding “Animals,” would instead allow pet stores, retail businesses, or other commercial […]