Legislative Alerts

The American Kennel Club (AKC) learned this morning that Senate Bill 338, which as introduced would lower the threshold for state licensure for breeders and increase costs for licensees, will be heard in the Senate Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee today, March 3, 2020, at 4:00 p.m. AKC Government Relations understands that amendments may be […]

This Friday, March 6, the Connecticut Joint Environment Committee is scheduled to hold a public hearing on HB 5338, which seeks to prohibit the sale of animal fighting paraphernalia.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes the difficulties in prosecuting those who engage in animal fighting under current law, which requires catching individuals in the act.  […]

Three bills affecting animal owners in Tennessee are scheduled for votes on March 3-5, 2020.  Please scroll down to view each bill.  Mandatory Sentencing—Lifetime Bans on Custody of Companion Animals.  Senate Bill 1747/House Bill 1643 has passed in the Senate and is scheduled for a vote in the House on Thursday, March 5 at 9:00 […]

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 […]