Legislative Alerts

August 19, 2019 URGENT:  The Flagler County Board of County Commissioners is scheduled to take action TODAY on problematic and overreaching requirements that would apply to all dog and cat owners in the county.  The proposed ordinance would also criminalize certain accepted animal husbandry practices as performed by animal owners.  Click here to view the […]

August 16, 2019 A Special Meeting has been called in Alachua County on August 20, 2019 to authorize advertisement of a proposal that seeks to recommend “commercial”, “hobby”, and “breeders” of dogs to be permitted, regulated, and subjected to warrantless inspections.  Differential animal licensing [generally, this means higher fees for unsterilized animals] and other regulations […]

Friday, August 16, 2019 Please share this information with dog owners and breeders in Fort Smith, Arkansas.  Immediate action is needed.  Responsible dog and cat breeders—and citizens of Fort Smith who wish to obtain dogs and cats from local breeders in the future—are urged to immediately contact the Fort Smith Board of Directors and ask […]

Monday, August 12, 2019 The American Kennel Club’s Government Relations Department (AKC GR) is pleased to announce that amended New Jersey Assembly Bill 4552 was signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy on Friday, August 9. See AKC’s position statement on Protection for Puppy Purchasers. As introduced, A.4552 sought to prohibit predatory pet leasing schemes […]

Friday, August 9, 2019 Yesterday, the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) issued guidance to help travelers understand their rights while new regulations are being developed. The DOT is currently developing new rules to govern what types of animals will be allowed to accompany passengers on flights and what documentation will be required to determine […]

August 5, 2019 The Fort Smith Board of Directors will consider an ordinance tomorrow, August 6, 2019, that seeks to establish dog and cat licensing; excessively costly dog breeder licensing fees; and new requirements, fees and penalties that impact a wide range of pet owners. The Board will also consider a resolution to approve a […]

August 2, 2019 On Monday, the Cape Coral City Council will hold a public hearing on a proposed ordinance that seeks to ban the sale of purpose-bred dogs and cats by pet retailers in favor of randomly sourced animals from shelters and “rescue pet” distributors. Concerned citizens are encouraged to attend the meeting and speak […]

July 26, 2019 The Dutchess County Legislature is considering two proposals in an effort to improve animal welfare in the county.  AKC Government Relations understands that the proposals are likely to be considered on Monday, August 12.  Those who reside or participate in performance or other events in Dutchess County are encouraged to contact the […]

Monday, July 22, 2019 Last week, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (Department) reissued a temporary order designating several animal diseases as “dangerous transmissible diseases”, including Canine Brucellosis (Brucella canis). As noted by the Department, transmission of B. canis bacteria occurs through exposure to secretions during estrus or mating or by contact with infected tissues during […]

Friday, July 19, 2019 Governor Raimondo has signed into law a pair of bills, H. 5433 and S. 465 that expand authorities’ ability to seize animals suspected of neglect or abuse. The AKC abhors animal cruelty and supports enforcement of strong animal cruelty laws.  For more information on these bills and AKC’s concerns, read our […]