Legislative Alerts

Bills regulating leaving dogs outdoors and allowing localities to arbitrarily pass laws regulating the care of dogs continue to move in Virginia.  Virginia residents are strongly encouraged to contact their State Delegate and Senator TODAY and express concerns on these bills (Scroll down for contact information). Summary: The Virginia Senate ACNR Committee recently passed Senate […]

Yesterday, several committees of the Massachusetts General Court took procedural action on dog-related bills.  Some bills were ordered to study, which means that they will likely not be considered for the remainder of the legislative session, while others had their deadlines for further consideration extended. BILLS SENT TO STUDY: The Joint Judiciary Committee ordered multiple […]

The Hawaii Senate is considering a bill that would prohibit the humane tethering of dogs if dog under the age of six months and without supervision by its owner or an agent of its owner. The bill, Senate Bill 677, would also prohibit tethering a dog restrained by means of a choke collar, pinch collar, […]

Tuesday, February 4, 2020 This bill has been removed from the February 5 agenda and AKC Government Relations will update when developments warrant. Monday, February 3, 2020 The American Kennel Club is concerned with Hawaii House Bill 2163.  The bill, introduced by Representative Roy Mitsuo Takumi, seeks to limit the practices of surgical births, debarking, […]

South Dakota Senate Bill 84 seeks to provide additional categories in its Service Animal Definition.  The bill will be considered by the Senate Local Government Committee on Wednesday, February 5th at 7:45 AM in Room 412. South Dakota law already allows individuals who are totally or partially physically disabled, totally or partially blind, or totally […]

An Iowa House Subcommittee is scheduled to consider a bill on Wednesday, February 5, that contains several provisions updating current laws to protect dog ownership. Those who reside or participate in dog events in Iowa are encouraged to contact the subcommittee members prior to Wednesday’s hearing and express your support for the provisions of House […]

A bill assigned to the Illinois Senate Insurance Committee would protect the rights of dog owners in the state by preventing insurance companies from canceling, refusing, or imposing an increased premium on policies based on a specific breed of dog. Illinois dog owners are encouraged to contact the Illinois Senate Insurance Committee and ask them […]

The Virginia full Senate ACNR Committee is scheduled to consider Senate Bill 272 TOMORROW (Tuesday, February 4).  This is the Senate version of House Bill 1552.  Both bills seek to modify or include provisions that were not included in the tethering legislation that was just passed and became law last session.  Unlike House Bill 1552, […]

New and advancing bills of concern to breeders, dog owners, and veterinarians are scheduled for hearings at the Florida state legislature on Monday, Feb.  3 and Tuesday, Feb. 4. SB 1698 is on the agenda of the Senate Committee on Innovation, Industry, and Technology on Monday, February 3.  Among other provisions, this bill would require […]

The New York Senate Domestic Animal Welfare Committee is scheduled to consider several bills on Monday impacting New York dog owners and future dog owners.  New York residents are urged to contact the committee to express your comments prior to the hearing (scroll down for contact information). Bills on the agenda for the Monday, February […]