Legislative Alerts

Friday, June 14, 2019 The American Kennel Club (AKC) is seriously concerned that the New Hampshire Legislature, through procedural maneuvers avoiding the full legislative process, may be on the verge of eliminating the state’s recognition of “breeders” and instead labeling them as newly-defined “pet vendors”.   Because this proposal is problematic for multiple reasons, it is […]

Friday, June 14, 2019 Yesterday, a Delaware Senate committee approved a bill that would regulate when dogs are permitted to be outdoors.  AKC understands it will likely be considered by the full Senate next week. As currently written, Senate Bill 139 establishes arbitrary standards that could punish responsible dog owners whose dogs are temporarily outside […]

Thursday, June 13, 2019 New Jersey Senate Bill 3531 and Assembly Bill 4552, which seek to prohibit the leasing of dogs and cats in New Jersey, are scheduled to be considered by the Senate Commerce Committee on Monday, June 17.  The American Kennel Club continues to request that the bills be amended to specifically preserve […]

Click here to view the comments submitted by the American Kennel Club.

June 7, 2019 A bill continues to advance in New York that would restrict when dogs are permitted to be outdoors. The bill passed the Senate last week and was assigned to the Assembly Agriculture Committee, but then it was recalled to the Senate for amendments.  The bill must now be voted on again by […]

Thursday, June 6, 2019 On Tuesday, June 4, the Massachusetts General Court’s Joint Municipalities and Regional Government Committee accepted two hours of public testimony on multiple bills seeking to impose regulatory oversight over personal and commercial kennels, mandate annual inspections of all kennels, and create consumer protection laws that exempt animal shelters and rescue organizations […]

June 5, 2019 Tomorrow (Thursday, June 6), the New York Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee will be considering amendments to Assembly Bill 722, which as introduced would have limited hunting and hunt trials in the state. You made a difference!  Thanks to the efforts of all who called and emailed the committee, the amendment being considered […]

June 4, 2019 Two bills pertaining to pet shops will be considered by Rhode Island General Assembly committees this week. House Bill 5072, scheduled for hearing on Wednesday, seeks to unreasonably restrict pet shops to selling only dogs sourced from shelters and rescues. Senate Bill 699, scheduled for hearing Thursday, establishes reasonable operational standards for […]

Monday, June 03, 2019 On Tuesday, June 4, 2019, the Fort Smith Board of Directors will vote on a resolution that directs the City Administrator to “initiate necessary actions to evaluate animal control services, animal impoundment services, and a dog licensing program.” An internal memo states that upon approval of the resolution, the city intends […]

Monday, June 3, 2019 The American Kennel Club (AKC) is seriously concerned the New Hampshire Senate will adopt a “pet vendor” definition that includes all breeders, in conflict with federal and other New England state laws. Last week the Senate Finance committee approved an amended version of SB 161 defining “pet vendor” as anyone who […]