Legislative Alerts

Recently Houston Mayor John Whitmire stated his belief that “(mandatory spay and neuter) is the ultimate solution to overcrowding and stray animals.” Whitmire further alluded to the development of a mandatory spay/neuter (MSN) ordinance in Houston soon. While the AKC understands Mayor Whitmire’s desire to address animal welfare issues in and around Harris County we […]

The Governor of Utah has signed a new law that will regulate animal rescues and shelters in the state. House Bill 478 becomes law on May 1, 2024.  Those participating in rescue activities in the state are encouraged to review the current bill to see how it would impact you. As approved by the legislature, […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) is pleased to report that, this morning, the New Hampshire House Environment and Agriculture Committee voted House Bill 1102 as “Inexpedient to Legislate.”  This means that it is the committee’s recommendation that the bill should not be approved. HB 1102 is a radical bill that seeks to describe brachycephaly as […]

The voices of Tennessee dog owners were heard! The sponsor of House Bill 2938 has taken this problematic dog breeder bill “off notice” in committee. That means HB 2938 and companion Senate Bill 2513, which seek to license and regulate dog and cat breeders in the state, are unlikely to advance. Read concerns with these […]

A bill mandating the sterilizations of rescue and shelter dogs being imported into Colorado will soon head to the Governor.  Those involved in interstate breed rescue in Colorado are encouraged to review the bill, Senate Bill 24-045, to see how it would impact their rescue network.  Anyone wishing to provide comments to Governor Polis may […]

Tomorrow, Wednesday, March 13 at 2:00p.m., the Delaware Senate Environment, Energy & Transportation Committee will hold a hearing on a House Bill 271, which would remove an existing prohibition on the hunting of Gamebirds on Sundays in Delaware.  The bill passed the House in January. AKC is not taking an official position on this bill.  […]

Last month, the American Kennel Club (AKC) issued an alert regarding HB 5223, which proposed a change to the legal definition of “grooming facility” to include those doing business in “any vehicle or trailer”. AKC’s concern was that professional handlers exhibiting in the state could be required to obtain a grooming facility license because of […]

On Thursday, March 7, the Georgia House of Representatives adopted House Resolution 1368, which commends the benefits and contributions of purebred dogs and recognizes May 1, 2024, as Purebred Dog Day in the State of Georgia. Click here, then click “Current Version” to read the resolution in its entirety. HR 1368 is in addition to […]

Companion bills in Tennessee that seek to license and regulate commercial breeders are scheduled for consideration by legislative committees on Tuesday, March 12, 2024.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is concerned that House Bill 2938 and Senate Bill 2513 attempt to regulate people who simply possess dogs (rather than those who engage in true commercial […]

Earlier this week, the Virginia House of Delegates gave final approval to a bill to allow (but not require) any locality to establish an animal cruelty registry.  Previously passed by the Senate on January 29, the bill now awaits action by the Governor. Those wishing to contact Governor Youngkin regarding SB 93 may do so […]