Legislative Alerts

The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) is proposing new rules to establish requirements regarding the importation of live dogs for resale, whether through retail or wholesale channels or fee-based adoption, from regions where African Swine Fever (ASF) exists or is reasonably believed to exist.  The proposed rules […]

Late yesterday, the American Kennel Club’s Government Relations Department (AKC GR) learned that the Louisville Metro Council will consider a problematic animal ordinance tomorrow, Thursday, September 28, 2023, at 6PM.  The proposal seeks to: Define “retail pet store” as a commercial establishment that sells or offers for sale animals on its premises at retail, irrespective […]

On Tuesday, September 26, the Los Angeles Board of Animal Services Commissioners discussed a proposal to suspend the issuance of new breeding permits. This would impact all who breed in the city, as well as all owners of intact dogs even if they are not currently breeding (view AKC’s previous alert for additional information). No […]

Late last week, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) proposed new regulations for dog and cat breeders that must be licensed by the state.  The proposed regulations implement amendments to Texas’ breeders law that were enacted earlier this year.  Texas dog breeders licensed by TDLR are encouraged to review the proposed rules and […]

Summary: On Tuesday and Wednesday this week (September 26 and 27), two Los Angeles city committees will consider a proposal that could lead to a suspension of new breeder permits for city residents. Under current city law, breeder permits are required for all breeding in the city, as well as for anyone wishing to own […]

The Massachusetts Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government (JCMRG) has scheduled a public hearing for Tuesday, September 26, 2023, from 1pm to 5pm, and will accept comments until October 3, on multiple animal bills, including two opposed by the American Kennel Club (AKC). TO INCREASE KENNEL SAFETY, AKA “OLLIE’S LAW” In the wake of […]

On Thursday, September 21, 2023, the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners will hold a second public hearing and may vote to enact significant changes to the county’s animal ordinance. Among its many provisions, the proposal would establish new licensing and registration requirements both for breeders and for and individuals who sell/transfer just two dogs or […]

On Thursday, September 14, California’s 2023 legislative session came to end. Below are two related bills that passed the Legislature and regarding veterinary care. The AKC is not taking a position or commenting on these bills. Both bills await action from Gov. Newsom by October 14. If you would like to comment on either bill, […]

On Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at 5:00pm, the Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Council Public Safety Committee will meet via videoconference to consider a proposed animal ordinance that, among other provisions, seeks to: Define “retail pet store” as a commercial establishment that sells or offers for sale animals on its premises at retail and notwithstanding what type […]

On Thursday, September 14, California’s 2023 legislative session came to end. Below are two related bills supported by AKC that unanimously passed the Legislature and will enable Californians with pets to access emergency, domestic violence, and homeless shelters across the state. Both bills await action from Gov. Newsom by October 14. Please register your support […]