Legislative Alerts

On Wednesday, March 10 at 12:00pm, The Maryland Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee will be holding a hearing on Senate Bill 760 that addresses the issue of animals that are seized and the costs of their care during impoundment.   This is identical to House Bill 1080, which was considered earlier this week.  Click here. AKC strongly […]

On Tuesday, March 9, the Illinois Senate Judiciary Committee will consider a bill that provides court-appointed advocates to represent the “interests of justice” in a case involving health, safety or injury to a dog or cat. Senate Bill 153 is similar to bills being introduced in other states in an effort to alter the legal […]

The Wyoming Senate continues to consider how to address the issue of animals being seized, and the payment of their care during impoundment. Both Senate Bills 24 and 25 would require those whose animals are seized on suspicion of cruelty to pay a bond to cover the costs of care while the animals are impounded. […]

Texas House Bill 873, which seeks to rewrite the state’s dog tethering laws, is scheduled for consideration by the House Criminal Justice Committee on Monday, March 8, 2021.  Interested dog owners are encouraged to share their views with the committee before this meeting. HB 873 would replace Texas’ current dog tethering statutes with updated provisions.  […]

On Thursday, March 4 at 1:30pm, The Maryland House Judiciary Committee will be holding a hearing on House Bill 1080 that addresses the issue of animals that are seized and the costs of their care during impoundment. AKC strongly believes that those who treat animals in a cruel manner should be held accountable and punished […]

Senate Bill 650 seeks to ban unattended tethering of dogs and cats, with limited exemptions that would apply only during certain weather conditions. SB 650 would also authorize confiscation of an improperly tethered dog. The bill is on the agenda of the Senate Committee on Agriculture tomorrow, March 3, 2021, at 12:00 p.m. As introduced, […]

This week, two Connecticut legislative committees have scheduled public hearings as follows: March 3, 2021, at 10am - HB 6504 Regarding Animal Welfare.  This bill is supported by the American Kennel Club (AKC) because it would: require a veterinary examination of animals brought into the state by animal shelters and update violation amounts; update state […]

Last week, House Bill 594 was introduced in Pennsylvania relative to COVID-19 limitations and restrictions as they may apply to a number of recreational activities, including dog shows and events.  AKC wishes to clarify its position on this legislation. Early on during the COVID-19 Pandemic, AKC worked to developed guidelines to assist those clubs who […]

AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) encourages Rhode Island residents to take action as soon as possible on H. 5577, which seeks to create court-appointed legal advocates for animals.  The bill will be considered by the House Judiciary Committee at a public hearing on Tuesday, March 2, 2021, starting at 7pm. AKC opposes H. 5577 because […]

On Tuesday, March 2, the Utah House Labor and Commerce Committee will be considering House Bill 420, which seeks to ban retail pet stores from selling any dog unless sourced from a shelter or rescue. AKC strongly urges all who reside in Utah to call the committee TODAY and ask them to oppose House Bill […]