Legislative Alerts

This week, Texas Governor Abbot took action on three additional bills of interest to AKC: House Bill 2063- Informed Consent for Kennel Facilities Status: Filed into law without the Governor’s Signature, effective date September 1, 2023 HB 2063 requires kennel facility operators (those who are providing boarding services for breeding, sheltering, training, hunting, “or similar […]

A bill passed this week by the New York Assembly makes certain hunting competitions illegal.  As written, however, Senate Bill 4099 and Assembly Bill 2917 contains important amendments requested by the AKC to protect training and performance events. Summary: Senate Bill 4099 and its companion Assembly Bill 2917  make it unlawful to organize, sponsor, or […]

Earlier this week, the Pennsylvania Senate passed Senate Bill 746 that removes the difference in license fees for intact and sterilized dogs and makes other changes to licensing for dog owners, kennels, and rescues, as well as other changes to the Commonwealth’s Dog Law In addition, the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee this week reviewed […]

Next week, two communities in New Jersey will consider ordinances that restrict pet stores to selling only dogs sourced from shelters and rescues. On Tuesday, June 27, at 8PM, the Borough of Westwood will consider Ordinance #23-20, Prohibiting the Sale of Dogs and Cats by Retail Pet Stores.   Then, on Wednesday, June 28, at 7:30PM, […]

On Wednesday, June 21, the Kern County Animal Services Commission will reconsider a proposed ordinance concerning dog licensing for dog owners in Kern County which could lead to mandatory spay/neuter for violations of animal control laws. If advanced, the proposal would go to the Kern County Board of Supervisors for review and possible passage into […]

Dog Breed Discrimination Ends The American Kennel Club Government Relations team (AKC GR) is pleased to report that, effective October 1, 2023, all remaining local ordinances in Florida that discriminate against dogs based on breed, weight, or size are overturned. Senate Bill 942, supported by AKC, removes an exemption from state law that allowed certain […]

The Massachusetts Joint Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee (JCPPL) has scheduled a public hearing for Monday, June 26, 2023, from 1pm to 4pm, and will accept comments on a bill of concern to the American Kennel Club (AKC). REGULATION OF GROOMERS HB 310 would require anyone who grooms a pet for money to pass […]

The AKC Government Relations Department is pleased to introduce newly updated AKC economic and community impact figures for all 50 states. The AKC Impact By State packet provides valuable information to share with lawmakers, local media, chambers of commerce and other community entities about the positive impact that AKC clubs, affiliates and events have in each and […]

This week State Senator Gene Yaw introduced Senate Bill 785 , a reintroduction of a bill he sponsored last session to establish an Animal Welfare Board.  The bill, which will allow for a comprehensive review of current and future laws and regulations regarding dogs in the Commonwealth, includes representation by the AKC, the Pennsylvania Federation of Dog […]

On Monday, June 19, the Township of Mahwah, New Jersey, is scheduled to consider an ordinance that seeks to prohibit the retail sale of dogs and cats in retail stores.  This ordinance will limit pet choice and consumer protections for area families seeking a dog that fits their needs and lifestyle. Retail pet sales bans […]