Legislative Alerts

At its upcoming hearing on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, from 1PM – 5PM, the Massachusetts Joint Judiciary Committee will consider multiple dog-related bills .  The American Kennel Club (AKC) supports two, requests amendments to four, and opposes three of the proposals.   The full agenda with links to bill text can be viewed here. AKC encourages […]

A bill that tramples the rights of animal owners in South Carolina continues to advance. Under House Bill 3682 and Senate Bill 456, an innocent owner could have their animals confiscated based solely on an accusation, and would permanently forfeit ownership of the animals if unable to pay in advance for all costs of seizing […]

On Friday, March 31, a Washington State Senate committee will consider a bill that would protect owners and pets by providing emergency shelter accommodations during extreme weather situations. The bill has already passed the House of Representatives and is nearing the finish line, but your support is needed. Washington state residents are encouraged to support […]

Senate Bill 876 was heard yesterday in the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice. The bill was left pending in the committee after several senators expressed concern and urged the sponsor to work with AKC to find some common ground.  A staff member from the AKC GR team attended the hearing and testified against the bill. […]

AKC Government Relations has just learned that Delaware House Bill 84 regulating barking dogs will not be considered in today’s committee meeting. As introduced, the bill would prohibit dogs from barking more than 15 continuous minutes, or more than 30 minutes total in a day.  AKC has been in contact with the sponsor, who has […]

Recently, two Connecticut General Assembly Joint Committees separately voted to advance dog-related bills with amendments favorable to Connecticut’s responsible dog breeders and owners.  Both the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Connecticut Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners (CFDRDO) expressed concerns with the original text of both bills. SB 1069, relative to kennels […]

A Texas Senate Committee has scheduled a public hearing on Tuesday, March 28 on Senate Bill 876 which will require anyone who owns 5 or more intact female dogs over 6 months of age to become a state licensed dog breeder – even if they never breed a litter or sell a single dog. This […]

On Wednesday, March 29, a Delaware committee will consider a bill prohibiting dogs from barking continuously for more than 15 minutes, or more than 30 minutes total in a day, with very few exceptions. The Delaware House Health & Human Development Committee will hold a hearing on House Bill 84 on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, […]

A Texas Senate Committee has scheduled a public hearing on Tuesday, March 28 on Senate Bill 876 which will require anyone who owns 5 or more intact female dogs over 6 months of age to become a state licensed dog breeder – even if they never breed a litter or sell a single dog. This […]

On Monday, March 27, 2023, the Florida House Civil Justice Subcommittee is scheduled to consider a new “Lawyers for Animals” bill, House Bill 989. It is similar to bills promoted in previous legislative sessions by animal rights activists as part of efforts to alter the legal status of animals and provide them human rights, including […]