Legislative Alerts

San Marcos, Texas has proposed an ordinance that will prohibit pet stores from sourcing dogs from licensed breeders. This ordinance will limit pet choice and consumer protections for San Marcos area families seeking a dog that fits their needs and lifestyle. Retail pet sales bans/ restrictions limit consumer protections and choice, while doing nothing to […]

The Missouri House Local Government Committee considered two bills on Thursday, January 27, that would prohibit local municipalities from enacting breed-specific laws in the state. During the hearing several members of the committee expressed concerns about prohibiting breed-specific laws. It is important for clubs and those who participate in dog events in Missouri to contact […]

At its Wednesday, January 26, 2022 meeting, the Virginia House Agriculture, Conservation, and Natural Resources Committee’s Agriculture Subcommittee took action on two bills that had the potential to impact some dog owners.  See previous alert.   The committee action was as follows: House Bill 467 – This bill would amend the Code of Virginia by […]

This week, two New Hampshire House Committees voted down HB 1308 and HB 1310, bills negatively impacting hunting dogs that the American Kennel Club (AKC) actively opposed.  The near unanimous rejection of these bills sends a strong message of continued support for training hunting dogs, hosting field trials, and engaging in canine sporting activities in […]

Bills impacting animal ownership, basic animal care, and service animals will be considered in Illinois on Tuesday, February 1. Those who live or participate in events in Illinois are strongly encouraged to contact the House Judiciary-Criminal Committee using the information below, and also to create witness slips prior to the hearing by clicking on this […]

The Virginia Senate Agriculture, Conservation, and Natural Resources Committee’s (ACNR) Companion Animal Subcommittee is scheduled to consider a bill at its 9:00am meeting tomorrow (Thursday, January 27, 2022) that would prohibit a pet shop from selling a dog or cat unless it has first been spayed or neutered. Senate Bill 89 would amend existing Code […]

The Missouri House Local Government Committee is scheduled to consider two bills on Thursday, January 27, that would prohibit local municipalities from enacting breed-specific laws in the state. As introduced, AKC strongly supports these bills, as stated in our previous alert. There is discussion, however, that amendments may be proposed that would place significant restrictions […]

The Virginia House Agriculture, Conservation, and Natural Resources Committee’s (ACNR) Agriculture Subcommittee is scheduled to consider two bills at its 4:00pm meeting tomorrow (Wednesday, January 26, 2022) that have the potential to impact some dog owners. Those wishing to submit comments to the ACNR Agriculture Subcommittee may do so by Noon tomorrow, January 26, 2022 […]

Tomorrow, January 25, 2022, the Rhode Island House Judiciary Committee is accepting testimony on multiple bills impacting dog owners (agenda).  Text of bills impacting dog owners are embedded in the links below.  AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) encourages Rhode Island residents to express opposition as follows: ANIMAL ABUSER REGISTRY ACT – H. 6624 would establish […]

Next week, the New Hampshire House Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety will hear public testimony on bills the American Kennel Club (AKC) believes are well-intentioned, but concerning as currently written. SERIOUS CONCERN:  HB 1310 would prohibit hunters from discharging a firearm in the direction of a building, livestock, or pets within their eyesight. […]