Legislative Alerts

On October 21, the Town of Yarmouth (Maine) approved several changes to its dog ordinance, incorporating many recommendations provided by AKC Government Relations. Earlier this month, AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) published notice regarding proposed changes to the town of Yarmouth’s Chapter 309 “Dog Control Ordinance”, and highlighted many of AKC GR’s recommended amendments to […]

On Friday, October 22, the New York State Legislature sent a bill to the governor that would prohibit homeowner’s insurance providers from refusing or cancelling coverage or increasing premiums based solely on the breed of dog owned by the policyholder. For the past 10 years, AKC has advocated for legislation in New York on this […]

On Tuesday, November 30, the Berlin Town Council will receive public input at a 7pm hearing regarding changes being proposed for its animal ordinance.  The town’s ordinance committee presented a draft to the Town Council on October 19, that would amend the rules on leash and restraint requirements for dogs, by amending the definitions for […]

The Colorado Springs City Council has proposed an ordinance to ban the retail sale of cats and dogs at pet stores in the city. The council will hold a meeting on November 9 at 10:00am where they will begin considering the newly drafted ordinance. The ordinance would continue to allow pet stores to operate but […]

This week State Senator Gene Yaw introduced Senate Bill 907 which would establish an Animal Welfare Board.  The bill, which will allow for a comprehensive review of current and future regulations regarding dogs in the Commonwealth, is supported by the AKC and has been assigned to the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee. SB 907 […]

Last week, the American Kennel Club’s Government Relations Department (AKC GR) issued an alert announcing that bills known as Nero’s Law were favorably released by the Massachusetts Joint Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee (JPSHSC).  HB 2547 and SB 1606, would both allow emergency care and transportation for a police dog injured in the line […]

This week, the Texas House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 5, a bill that regulates tethering, by a vote of 106-22. The bill was then referred to conference committee between the House and Senate where both chambers agreed on amendments. The bill will now be sent to the governor. The American Kennel Club has not […]

The City of Montgomery, Alabama, posted a public notice that the Montgomery City Council’s Ad Hoc Committee— Animal Ordinance will meet on Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at 11:30am in the Old Council Chamber, Room 142, City Hall, 103 North Perry Street, Montgomery, AL 36104. An agenda and topics of discussion have not been published at […]

The Horry County Council will hold a first reading on a proposed animal ordinance tomorrow, October 19, 2021. Animal owners are urged to review the proposed ordinance and express their concerns to council members.  Click to view the agenda and proposed ordinance. The American Kennel Club (AKC) thanks county staff who have been responsive to […]

The city of Muscatine, Iowa is considering a repeal of its breed ban in effect since 2003. The city council will hold a special meeting for public comment on Thursday, October 28. Dog owners and interested members of the public should attend the meeting and encourage city council to repeal the breed ban. City ordinance […]