Legislative Alerts

A bill that would have regulated all dog trainers as boarding kennels is being rewritten, thanks to the overwhelming response from trainers and dog clubs across the state. The amended bill will be considered by the Assembly Business and Professions Committee tomorrow (Tuesday, April 19) at 9:00 am Pacific Time.  Scroll down for more information. […]

Maine residents, your voice is needed today!  The American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Maine Federation of Dog Clubs continue to advocate for the passage of LD 1885, as amended.  The bill seeks to increase Maine’s veterinary workforce through updates to the state’s Veterinary Medicine Loan Program.  The program provides competitive, need-based, forgivable loans for […]

Today the Oklahoma House Criminal Justice and Corrections Committee passed Senate Bill 1223. The bill now awaits a vote before the full Oklahoma House of Representatives. AKC supports this bill and condemns the deliberate mischaracterization of service dogs and attempts to benefit from service dog status when the person is not someone with a disability. Oklahoma […]

The Maryland General Assembly has adjourned, and passed bills relating to keeping dogs outdoors and care of animals seized on suspicion of cruelty.  While some positive amendments were included to protect responsible dog owners, some concerns still remain. The governor could take action on these bills very soon.  Those who reside or participate in dog […]

As previously reported, an overreaching and problematic animal ordinance is under consideration by the Montgomery City Council. The City Council did not take action on the ordinance at its April 5, 2022, meeting, but may take it up at its next meeting, which is scheduled for Tuesday, April 19, 2022. Because city offices will be […]

The two-year Georgia legislative session ended last week with wins for dogs and dog owners. The American Kennel Club Government Relations team (AKC GR) thanks the Georgia Canine Coalition (GCC), AKC club members, and every individual who contacted lawmakers and spread the word to fellow owners about legislation that affects dogs. Special thanks go out […]

On April 26, the California Assembly Business and Professions Committee is scheduled to consider Assembly Bill 1881, known as the “Dog and Cat Bill of Rights”. California residents are strongly encouraged to upload letters to the online committee portal by April 19 to ensure they are included in the official committee analysis. Also, if you […]

Yesterday, the Maine House of Representatives passed LD 1885, as amended, which would expand the state’s loan program to future practitioners of veterinary medicine. The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration, and Maine residents are strongly encouraged to contact their State Senator today to express support. Last week, the American Kennel Club (AKC) […]

The Illinois Legislature adjourned this weekend without taking action on several bills that would have had a detrimental impact on dogs and Illinois dog owners. AKC thanks all those who took the time to contact the legislators during the 2021-2022 session.  Your voice made a difference!  We also want to recognize the tireless efforts and […]

This week the Pennsylvania Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee amended and unanimously passed Senate Bill 907.  This bill, supported by the AKC, establishes the Animal Welfare Board. As noted in a previous alert, the Board will consist of representatives from both the PA Department of Agriculture and the State Attorney General’s office and a […]