Legislative Alerts

On Friday, June 25, New Hampshire’s Governor Sununu signed HB 2, the state budget, into law.  Section 302 of the law establishes a new electronic statewide animal records database.  Details regarding the background on this legislation can be viewed in the American Kennel Club’s (AKC’s) update last week. Animal Records Database Established: In New Hampshire, […]

On Tuesday, June 29, the Rhode Island House Judiciary Committee will meet and consider H. 5580, Custody Procedures for Pets in Divorce/Separation. 5580 would create a custody procedure for pets in divorce and separation proceedings based on the best interests of the animal. While that standard is similar to the one used in child custody […]

Yesterday, June 24, the New Hampshire House of Representatives approved HB 2, a state budget bill that includes text establishing an animal records database, and it is on its way to the Governor’s desk for approval.  This text contains many amendments requested by AKC and its state federation. Background: In January 2021, the American Kennel […]

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS),  announced on June 24 that it is re-issuing a rule to require that breeder/dealers, research facilities, intermediate handlers, carriers and other animal enterprises subject to USDA licensing establish emergency/ contingency planning in the event of a natural or manmade disaster or […]

Last evening, the city of Stamford’s Legislative and Rules Committee hosted a public hearing on a proposed tethering ordinance requiring an owner or keeper to remain outside with a tethered dog and keep it within view.  In a prior alert, American Kennel Club Government Relations (AKC GR) provided details on the proposal and urged resident […]

Today, the New Jersey Assembly Appropriations Committee adopted amendments to Assembly Bill 2401, the “Responsible Dog Ownership Act”.  The bill is now scheduled for a voting session by the full Assembly on Thursday, June 24, at 1PM. The American Kennel Club (AKC) expressed strong concerns with earlier versions of A.2401, particularly with the bill’s disparate […]

The Floyd County, Georgia, Board of County Commissioners is scheduled to vote TONIGHT, June 22, 2021, on changes to the animal ordinance. Among other provisions, the proposed ordinance seeks to outlaw common and safe use of tethers and enact provisions regarding the payment of costs of care for an impounded animal that DO NOT conform […]

Last week, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced the temporary suspension of the importation of dogs from countries classified as high risk for canine rabies, or of those arriving from countries not considered a high risk if the dogs have been in a high risk country during the previous six […]

Today, the Colorado Supreme Court unanimously ruled that a ballot initiative seeking to expand the state’s cruelty laws cannot proceed. As such, supporters may no longer collect signatures.  They would need to draft a new proposal and resubmit it for consideration and hearings again by the state Title Board.  It is very unlikely that this […]

The Michigan House of Representatives will likely soon consider a bill that makes numerous changes to the state’s veterinary laws. These changes include amending the definition of “practice of veterinary medicine”.  Current law states that practicing veterinary medicine includes “prescribing or administering a drug, medicine, treatment, or method of procedure.”  As passed by the House […]