Legislative Alerts

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” […]