Legislative Alerts

This past weekend, the 2023 Texas Regular Legislative Session adjourned. AKC tracked 49 bills this session, and below are updates on significant bills of interest impacting Texas dog owners, trainers, and handlers. A special session was called and began on May 30. AKC will continue to track newly introduced legislation throughout the special session. We […]

Governor Abbot has signed SB 876 further regulating Texas dog breeders. While the new law goes into effect on September 1, 2023, someone that owns between 5 and 11 intact females will have until January 1, 2024, to come into compliance.  The law will require anyone that both owns 5 or more intact females and […]

This past weekend, the Illinois General Assembly adjourned a very busy spring session for dog owners and trainers. We thank the Illinois Federation of Dog Clubs, and all who took the time to file witness slips and contact legislators.  Together we are making a difference for dogs in Illinois. Below are the latest updates on […]

Last week, the New Jersey Assembly passed S.981, a “cost of care” bill that raises serious constitutional concerns for dog owners.  The bill is now on its way to Governor Phil Murphy for his approval or veto.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) urges all concerned New Jersey dog owners contact Governor Murphy’s office to request […]

On May 18, the Assembly Appropriations Committee advanced Assembly Bill 742, limiting the use of police canines for apprehension and crowd control. The bill has been amended to allow for the use of police canines for apprehension in some circumstances. AKC understands and acknowledges there are issues concerning the use of police canines for apprehension, […]

As previously reported, the American Kennel Club (AKC) is deeply concerned with Assembly Bill 2354, as it still fails to both adequately protect the rights of bona fide co-owners and address the constitutional issues of procedural due process, unreasonable seizures, and excessive fines.  Despite ongoing efforts, the bill is scheduled to be voted on by […]

AKC is monitoring several bills impacting dog owners in California. Below are a few highlights in advance of the June 2 deadline for legislation to advance out of the chamber where it was introduced. To see the complete list visit the AKC legislative action center at www.akcgr.org  and/or the AKC legislative tracker.  AKC Government Relations […]

Last week, the New Jersey Assembly Appropriations Committee amended the controversial “cost of care” bill, Assembly Bill 2354, and voted to forward it to the full Assembly for further consideration.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) believes amended A.2354 still fails to both adequately protect the rights of bona fide co-owners and address the constitutional issues […]

A bill moving in the New York Senate makes certain hunting competitions illegal.  As written, however, Senate Bill 4099 contains important amendments requested by the AKC to protect training and performance events. Summary: Senate Bill 4099 is similar to bills introduced in previous sessions that would make it unlawful to organize, sponsor, or participate in […]

On Wednesday, May 17, the Kern County Animal Services Commission reconsidered a proposed ordinance that seeks to further the licensing burden on dog owners in Kern County, and could lead to mandatory spay/neuter for one violation of animal control laws. No vote was taken in this meeting, but the proposal has been rereferred to the […]