Legislative Alerts

Committee TODAY, February 19, 2020, at 2:00pm.  Senate Bill 196 would bring animal enterprises and working animals under the jurisdiction of the state Department of Agriculture and Industries. By placing the regulation of animal enterprise under state oversight, AKC believes this can better provide protections for the health and safety of dogs in the state, […]

Today, the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced that it is restoring certain formerly-redacted portions of USDA dealer/breeder licensee records on its searchable online database. In 2017, APHIS removed certain records from its database to address potential privacy concerns.  APHIS then reposted most of the documents, but […]

The Illinois House Commerce and Economic Development Committee is scheduled to consider a bill, S 3078, on Thursday (February 20), that would repeal consumer protections for pet purchasers passed in 2017. The measure would further require that pet stores could sell only dogs from an animal shelter or rescue distributor/facility. The current law - the […]

Alabama House Bill 209 seeks to authorize food service establishments to allow pet dogs in outdoor restaurant seating areas if the company wishes to do so.  It requires that the dog be leashed or in a pet carrier and under control, and sets out access, sanitation, and other requirements. HB 209 specifies that only service […]

The Michigan House Local Government and Municipal Finance Committee will be considering a bill tomorrow (Wednesday, February 19), that seeks to protect the rights of responsible dog owners in the state by prohibiting municipalities from enacting breed-specific policies.  This would be a significant step forward for Michigan dog owners, as there are several localities that […]

A bill is advancing in Colorado that would expand the powers of the state’s Bureau of Animal Protection agents. Currently, the purpose of the Bureau of Animal Protection as stated on the Department of Agriculture’s website, is to “serve as a support mechanism to local law enforcement agencies in conducting animal cruelty and neglect investigations.”  […]

Senate Bill 1698, which seeks to regulate Florida pet stores, has been rescheduled to be heard by the Senate Committee on Innovation, Industry, and Technology on Monday, February 17, 2020.   Among other provisions, this bill would require Florida pet stores to be licensed by the state Department of Business and Professional Regulation, set out requirements […]

Different versions of bills regulating leaving dogs outdoors and allowing localities to arbitrarily pass laws regulating the care of dogs continue to move in Virginia.  The House ACNR Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, February 19, to conform Senate Bill 272 for possible action later in the week. Summary of Legislative Activity: Update on […]

Both the House and Senate versions of legislation that would require Tennessee courts to prohibit custody of companion animals upon conviction for certain offenses involving animals will be heard in committees next week.  A problematic amendment that would establish mandatory lifetime bans will also be considered.  These bills are on the agendas of their respective […]

SB 285 recently passed the Senate Finance Committee and is pending consideration by the full Senate. The measure seeks to eliminate the West Virginia Greyhound Breeding Development Fund (GBDF) and redirect all money from the Fund to the State Excess Lottery Revenue Fund.  Additionally, it would eliminate the requirement that video lottery and racetrack table […]