Legislative Alerts

The Rhode Island Senate Finance Committee has scheduled a public hearing for multiple bills, including S. 2186, which would eliminate the sales tax on pet care services, defined as pet grooming and boarding services. (Veterinary services are already exempt from sales tax.) The bill also would eliminate the sales tax on taxi services. WHAT YOU […]

Yesterday, the Arizona Legislature sent a bill to the governor that would be the first step in preventing insurance companies from discriminating based on the breed of dog owned by the policy holder. Arizona residents are encouraged to contact Governor Ducey and ask him to sign House Bill 2323.  Use the online form to submit […]

Yesterday, a late procedural move advanced a bill in the New York Senate that would ban “debarking” – a veterinary practice also known as bark softening – in the state unless it is medically necessary to treat an injury, illness, or congenital defect. The AKC opposes Senate Bill 1125, which would restrict the rights of […]

The New York Assembly could soon consider a bill that makes certain hunting competitions illegal.  As written, however, Assembly Bill 5746 contains important amendments requested by the AKC to protect training and performance events. Summary: Assembly Bill 5746 is similar to bills introduced in previous sessions that would make it unlawful to organize, sponsor, or […]

The American Kennel Club’s Government Relations Department (AKC GR) has learned that East Amwell Township’s Township Committee did not advance a controversial animal ordinance proposal at its meeting last night. AKC expressed deep concerns that several elements of the proposal raised issues of vagueness, were overbroad, or violated due process.  AKC thanks the many concerned […]

On Wednesday, May 11, the Rhode Island Senate Environment and Agriculture Committee addressed concerns raised by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and Rhode Island residents by adopting an amended S. 2443.  Thank you to those residents who responded to AKC Government Relations’ (GR) alert last month that outlined concerns with the bill as introduced and […]

The Dallas City Council voted unanimously in favor of an ordinance that will prohibit pet stores from selling dogs sourced from dog breeders. This newly adopted ordinance will limit pet choice and consumer protections for Dallas area families seeking a dog that fits their needs and lifestyle. AKC regularly submitted opposition to the proposal dating […]

This week, the Delaware Senate Judiciary Committee passed an amended version of Senate Bill 258, which, as introduced, this bill that would have allowed a person to receive damages for both the veterinarian cost and care of a pet as well as damages for mental distress or emotional harm caused by the injury or death […]

This week, both the New York Senate and Assembly advanced bills that would prohibit retail pet stores from selling any dogs or cats.  Instead, these stores would only be allowed to “showcase” animals available for adoption from a shelter, rescue, or adoption agency that has no affiliation with breeders. Senate Bill 1130 passed the Senate […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) is pleased to report that the Connecticut legislative session adjourned on May 4, 2022. The outcome of bills impacting dog owners is as follows: HB 5295 – Concerning Agriculture Development and Innovation (with a working group on establishing a state-wide online dog licensing portal and updates to kennel/dog licenses.) Status: […]