Legislative Alerts

Monday, September 16, 2019 On Thursday, September 26 at 1pm, the Joint Committee on Financial Services will consider three bills banning discrimination against dogs based on breed, size, or weight.  Both HB 1037 and SB 595 prohibit insurance companies from denying insurance to homeowners/renters or from requesting higher payment of premiums, unless the dog has […]

Wednesday, September 11, 2019 On Tuesday, September 17 at 1pm, the Massachusetts General Court’s Joint Committee on Judiciary will consider HB 3657 regarding the misrepresentation of service animals.  The bill ensures that individuals and businesses will be protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act, by making the misrepresentation of a pet dog as a service […]

Wednesday, September 11, 2019 Yesterday, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) issued new finalized station-specific hunting and sport fishing regulations.  According to its summary, the FWS will open seven National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs) to hunting and fishing, expand hunting and sport fishing at 70 other NWRs, add pertinent station-specific regulations for other NWRs that […]

September 9, 2019 The Bakersfield City Council will address both new animal ordinances and amendments to existing ordinances on Wednesday, September 11.  These will, among other things, require any animal that is picked up twice as a stray to be spayed or neutered, regardless of the time between the impounds.  The proposals will also designate […]

September 5, 2019 The Hamilton County Commission has scheduled a public hearing for Monday, September 9, to obtain input on numerous proposed changes to the animal control code, including further regulations of hobby breeders and troublesome new definitions of “backyard breeder” and “puppy mill”. Those who reside or participate in events in Hamilton County are […]

September 4, 2019 The Swain County (NC) Board of Commissioners has scheduled a public hearing for tomorrow (Thursday, September 5) to get input on the county’s first animal control ordinance. The proposed ordinance as currently posted on the county website and confirmed by the Clerk to the County Board would establish a county Animal Services […]

Tuesday, September 3, 2019 On Tuesday, September 10th, multiple animal bills will be reviewed by the Massachusetts Joint Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture Committee.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) strongly encourages those who reside in Massachusetts to contact the committee to express significant concerns with two bills. SB 504 “Irresponsible Breeding Practices” requiring anyone breeding […]

August 30, 2019 An overreaching animal ordinance that, among other egregious provisions, would make all animal owners subject to unannounced inspections will be voted on by the Hattiesburg City Council on Tuesday, 9/3/19.  Residents are urged to IMMEDIATELY contact city council members to politely state their concerns and ask that they vote NO on the […]

Wednesday, August 21, 2019 Today, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) released its first-ever 2018 Impact Report.  This 10-page report details the agency’s achievements in 2018 with easy-to-read infographics. The report may be viewed at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/aphis_general/rpt-aphis-impact-2018.pdf.

Tuesday, August 20, 2019 The American Kennel Club’s Government Relations Department (AKC GR) has learned that the Legislation and Rules Committee of Stamford, Connecticut’s Board of Representatives is scheduled to consider an ordinance proposal tonight that seeks to limit consumer choice by requiring pet shops in the city that sell dogs and cats to source […]