Legislative Alerts

As stated in a previous alert, different versions of bills in Virginia regulating leaving dogs outdoors in specific temperature ranges and allowing localities to arbitrarily pass laws regulating the care of dogs have been moving in Virginia. Both bills passed their respective Chambers, but HB 1552 was amended in committee prior to final House passage.  […]

The Maryland House Environment and Transportation Committee held a hearing on Wednesday, February 26, 2020, on House Bill 406, which seeks to define “extreme weather conditions” to mean temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit or above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, or an active weather warning issued by the National Weather Service.  Under such conditions, the bill bans […]

The New York Senate Environmental Conservation Committee is scheduled to consider Senate Bill 7542 on Tuesday, March 3.  It seeks to prohibit hunting contests where the sole objective is taking the largest number of game or wild birds.  It further clarifies that any prohibition will not apply to field trials, dog training areas, or canine […]

Minnesota House File 3369, which seeks to prohibit the sale of dogs and cats by retail pet shops, is scheduled to be considered by the Minnesota House Committee on Commerce on Tuesday, March 3, 2020.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) opposes legislation that attempts to artificially manipulate the market in favor of pets sourced solely […]

The Palm Springs City Council will consider a proposed ordinance at their meeting on Thurs., Feb. 27, 2020, that will severely restrict all breeding of dogs and cats within the city limits. The proposal attempts to eliminate the “backyard breeder” in a misguided attempt to reduce pet populations. The proposal will also prevent the return […]

The Maryland House Environment and Transportation Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing on Wednesday, February 26, 2020, on House Bill 406, which seeks to define extreme weather conditions and places limitations on tethering in such conditions. Existing Maryland law already prohibits a dog from being tethered unattended outside in unsafe conditions.  HB 406 attempts […]

The Indiana House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee is considering a positive bill tomorrow (Tuesday, February 25) that will hold those accountable who sell dogs in Indiana, and also provide protections for Indiana residents buying a dog in the state. Senate Bill 185 includes many provisions, including: Prohibiting the sale of dogs or cats under […]

Two ordinances on the agenda of the Collier County, Florida, Board of County Commissioners meeting for February 25, 2020, seek to establish overreaching and onerous regulations for both hobby breeders and commercial breeders.  Concerned dog owners are urged to immediately contact County Commissioners and attend the meeting on Tuesday. Under current law, all breeders, including […]

Congratulations to AKC’s New Hampshire federation, the Dog Owners of the Granite State (NH DOGS), and breeders and owners for their ongoing successful advocacy campaign.   Consistent with AKC and NH DOGS testimony and recommendations, the New Hampshire House of Representatives voted as follows: HB 1683 – criminalize the cropping/docking, dewclaw removal or debarking of a […]

New Hampshire bills that seek to allow members of the public to enter vehicles to rescue animals they suspect of being in danger have been scheduled for legislative committee consideration.  On Thursday, February 20, 2020, SB 608 will be considered by the Senate Judiciary Committee in a public hearing, while HB 1542 will be decided […]