Legislative Alerts

Florida House Bill CS1/HB 721 seeks to remove an exemption under current Florida state law that allows certain cities and counties to ban dog breeds.  If this legislation passes, remaining county and city laws in Florida that ban dog breeds would no longer be in effect.  For example, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, “pit […]

Next week, two Connecticut legislative committees have scheduled public hearings as follows: March 1, 2022, at 10 A.M. – HB 5232 Concerning Service Animals.  This bill is supported by the American Kennel Club (AKC) because it would update Connecticut’s laws to ensure its terms and definitions are consistent with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.  […]

On Wednesday, March 2, 2022 at 1:00 pm both the Maryland House Judiciary Committee and the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee are considering bills that would allow a person to receive damages for mental distress or emotional harm caused by the injury or death of a companion animal. AKC encourages Marylanders to contact the House Judiciary […]

An ad hoc committee of the Montgomery City Council will meet tomorrow, February 25. Media reports in 2021 indicated that the committee was considering recommending local laws that would include: Expanded requirements to obtain a breeding permit, raising the annual permit fee from $20 to $150, and requiring the applicant to have a business license […]

This week, the voices of responsible dog owners were heard by Tennessee legislators.  Here are updates on three bills that affect dogs, plus information on how you can continue to support House Bill 1646, which would protect certain working dogs. SUPPORT:  HB 1646 – ADDITIONAL PROTECTIONS FOR CERTAIN WORKING DOGS.  House Bill 1646, a bill […]

Yesterday the Missouri House Local Government Committee voted 8-4 in favor of two bills that will prohibit local municipalities from enacting breed-specific laws in the state. The bills will now be sent to the House Rules Administrative Oversight Committee for further consideration. AKC supports House Bill 1588 and House Bill 1657 and encourages clubs and […]

The Connecticut Joint Planning and Development Committee has scheduled a Friday, February 25, 2022, public hearing.  The committee’s agenda includes numerous bills, including newly-introduced HB 5170.  The bill would amend the state’s current cruelty law to ban tethering a dog: In a manner that places it at adverse risk of injury by another animal, For […]

Update: Wednesday, February 23, 2022 Minnesota House File 208 has been scheduled for consideration by the House State Government Finance and Elections Committee this Friday, February 25.  Concerned Minnesota residents who have not already contacted the committee to express concerns are strongly encouraged to do so today.  To submit written testimony, please email Amanda Rudolph, […]

The Missouri House Local Government Committee will again consider two bills tomorrow, February 23 that would prohibit local municipalities from enacting breed-specific laws in the state. The hearing will begin at 4:00pm. AKC supports House Bill 1588 and House Bill 1657 and encourages clubs and those who participate in dog events to contact the committee […]

SB 1788 – REQUIREMENTS FOR STRUCTURES THAT HOUSE DOGS.  Senate Bill 1788 seeks to establish new, potentially vague requirements for providing shelter to dogs. This bill is on the agenda of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, February 22 at 3:00pm. Dog owners are urged to immediately contact committee members and ask them to oppose […]