Legislative Alerts

Yesterday, the Massachusetts House Ways and Means Committee amended two dog-related bills that were then immediately approved by the House of Representatives. All bills will now advance to the Senate for consideration before July 31. The American Kennel Club’s (AKC) amendment analysis and the new bill numbers are below: TO INCREASE KENNEL SAFETY, AKA “OLLIE’S […]

Yesterday (July 22, 2024), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) provided an update to related to new CDC requirements effective August 1 for importing or traveling into the United States with a dog older than 6 months of age. The revisions to the rule no longer require an additional rabies vaccination form certified by a […]

The New Hampshire state legislature adjourned last month with a positive result for dogs and dog owners who rely on veterinarians. On July 19, Governor Sununu signed HB 1526 into law authorizing the state Board of Veterinary Medicine to issue conditional licenses for foreign-educated veterinarians practicing under a New Hampshire licensed veterinarian. The American Kennel […]

On August 1, 2024, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will implement new restrictions and requirements for the entry of dogs into the U.S. Anyone planning to bring a dog into the U.S. in the near future should familiarize themselves with upcoming import policy changes. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes the serious […]

Yesterday, during the Massachusetts House of Representatives’ debate on H. 4876, a re-drafted omnibus clean energy bill, the sponsor of Amendment #5 that sought to remove dogs from the definition of agriculture, withdrew it from consideration. Details on the amendment are in yesterday’s post. The American Kennel Club (AKC) does not believe this proposed change […]

The month of July is known as “Summer Recess” in the California Legislature. In advance of the Legislature returning to Sacramento on August 5, below are status updates for bills the American Kennel Club (AKC) continues to track this session. To see the complete list of bills you can do so by checking the AKC […]

An Indianapolis City-County Council committee has advanced a proposal to require all owners of intact dogs to register and comply with certain requirements for care and breeding.  It is expected to be considered by the full council in August. View AKC’s previous alert for more information on the proposal, or you can read it in […]

Yesterday, the Massachusetts House Ways and Means Committee released an omnibus clean energy re-drafted bill, H. 4876, and requested members file their amendments. Among more than 100 amendments filed for consideration during debate today, Amendment #5 mirrors an amendment filed last month that would remove dogs and cats from the definition of livestock. This change […]

Last week, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) published its 2023 Impact Report.  The report provides an overview of APHIS’ activities and successes. APHIS oversees over 16,000 breeders, dealers, and exhibitors; research facilities, transporters, and dog importers who are subject to the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA).  […]

Late last night, the Massachusetts Senate finished debating, amending, and voting passage of its omnibus economic development bill, S. 2856. The American Kennel Club (AKC) is pleased to report that Amendment #206, ELIMINATION OF PET INDUSTRY CONSUMER PROTECTIONS, was rejected by the Senate on a voice vote. Also of note, Amendment #147, which sought to […]