Legislative Alerts

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 […]

The Detroit City Council will be holding a public hearing on two proposals meant to address dangerous dog and animal control concerns in the city.  The proposals are being brought forward after the tragic death of a child in August 2019 that occurred after her neighbor’s dogs escaped from their yard.  The American Kennel Club […]

The American Kennel Club is concerned with Hawaii Senate Bill 2512.  The bill, which is scheduled to be considered by the Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health Committee on Wednesday, February 12, 2020, seeks to limit the practices of surgical births, debarking, tail docking, and ear cropping by prohibiting an animal's owner, and the owner's […]

A problematic Rhode Island House bill, H. 7361, regarding Contested Pet Ownership, is scheduled for public hearing by the House Judiciary Committee on February 12, 2020.  The bill would allow an individual to bring a complaint in equity to the district court during dispute over pet ownership of formerly cohabitating people and ask the court […]

More than 200 police K9s work to protect the peace and security of Massachusetts communities each day.  However, under current law, police dogs are unable to receive immediate medical care and transport by ambulance.  SB 2423 and HB 4230 allow for EMT care and transportation of police dogs injured in the line of duty. WHAT […]

A problematic animal cruelty bill is on the agenda of the Tennessee House Criminal Justice Subcommittee tomorrow, February 11, 2020, at 12:00pm.  House Bill 1643 seeks to require the court to impose a mandatory 2-year ban on custody of any companion animal for a person convicted of certain offenses involving animals.  In contrast, current law […]

Two Missouri House committees are considering bills this week that further protect the rights of those who own, breed, and show dogs in the state.  Those who reside or participate in dog events in Missouri are strongly encouraged to contact the committees and express your support for the following bills: House Bill 2241/House Bill 2244- […]

In an effort to demonstrate serious concerns with recent enforcement actions by the Town of Bloomfield, Connecticut, and to effect fair changes to the Town’s animal control efforts, dog owners and fanciers are organizing to attend this week’s “The State of Our Town” municipal meeting.  The meeting is scheduled for: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020 6:00 […]