Legislative Alerts

On Wednesday, February 5, 2025, the Maryland House Judiciary Committee will consider a bill that seeks to increase the cap on compensatory damages for which a person who tortiously causes an injury to or death of a pet is liable. Those who wish may comment on this bill using the information below. Summary: Under current […]

The Connecticut Joint Planning and Development Committee’s public hearing agenda for Monday, February 3, 2025, includes HB 6832, which would give Connecticut cities and towns the authority to locally ban pet retail sales of dogs, cats, and rabbits.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) opposes HB 6832 and encourages all concerned Connecticut residents to share their […]

Yesterday, the DeKalb County, Georgia, Board of Commissioners again deferred consideration of a controversial dog ordinance that as currently written includes litter permits, sales restrictions, and incomplete consumer protections. As noted by County Attorney Ernstes during yesterday’s meeting, a new version of the ordinance is being drafted, “that will look very different than the ordinance…on […]

On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, the New Hampshire (NH) House Judiciary Committee will hear public testimony on HB 593, which seeks to expand the relationships eligible for “loss of consortium” damages. House Bill 593 would (1) newly define “loss of consortium” as the loss of love, companionship, comfort, care, assistance, protection, affection, society, and moral […]

On Thursday, February 6, 2025, the Maine Legislature’s Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry is scheduled to accept public testimony on LD 133, An Act to Amend the Laws Regarding Nuisance Dogs. The bill would (1) amend the definition of “nuisance dog” as it appears in Maine’s dangerous dog laws; (2) label any dog that […]

A problematic proposed dog ordinance in DeKalb County, Georgia—which, as currently worded, includes litter permits, litter limits, sales restrictions, and incomplete consumer protections—has been added to the Tuesday, January 28, 2025, agenda for the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners meeting.  As previously noted, County staff have reported that the ordinance is expected to be returned […]

Earlier this week, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) published its 2024 Impact Report, which provides an overview of the agency’s activities and successes. APHIS oversees over 17,500 breeders, dealers, and exhibitors; research facilities, transporters, and dog importers who are subject to the federal Animal Welfare Act […]

In early December 2024, the DeKalb County, Georgia, Board of Commissioners deferred consideration of changes to its animal ordinance that AKC views as problematic for responsible dog breeders and owners.  As currently worded, it seeks to impose restrictions on breeders and anyone who transfers, gives away, or sells pets.  County staff have reported that the […]

On Tuesday, January 21, two bills impacting dogs are on the agenda for review by the New Hampshire House Committee on Environment and Agriculture (HE&A). 10AM - SUPPORT HB 153, which seeks to require the commissioner of the department of safety ensure that in every county there will be at least one state trooper who […]

At yesterday’s board of County Commission meeting, the Upshur County, West Virginia Commissioners approved an ordinance to address at-large and dangerous dogs in the county. The new ordinance (see previous alert) includes new definitions for “public nuisance” and “vicious” dogs.  As requested by AKC and local club members, the approved ordinance does eliminate “dog scratches” […]